Conductors
Current Conductor
Past Conductors
Jerry Luckhardt
Jerry Luckhardt - Artistic Director Emeritus
Jerry Luckhardt, Associate Professor of Music at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, conducts the Symphonic Band, Chamber Winds and teaches courses in conducting.
His other artistic and administrative positions include: Acting Director of the University of Minnesota School of Music (2007-2008), Director of the University of Minnesota Marching Band (1997-2004), Associate Director of Bands at Baylor University (1994-1997), Assistant Director of Bands at the University of Texas-Austin (1991-1993), and Marching Band Director at the University of Michigan (1989-1990).
He has appeared as a guest conductor and clinician with ensembles throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia.
Charles B. Olson
Charles B. Olson - Conductor Emeritus
In addition to his role as founding director and principal conductor of the Encore Wind Ensemble, Charles B. Olson has been director of the Bethel College Concert Band from 1978 until his retirement in 1998. At Bethel, he was coordinator of instrumental music and instructor of instrumental conducting, brass and woodwind pedagogies, music education and private trumpet. He also supervised student teachers and conducted the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and Jazz Ensemble.
Mr. Olson holds a bachelor of science degree from St. Cloud University and a master of arts degree from the University of Northern Colorado, where he has also completed extensive doctoral-level study. He has a broad background in public school music education, having taught at elementary, junior high and senior high levels.
His conducting teachers have included Frederick Fennell, Wayman Walker, Elizabeth Green, Gene Corporan, Craig Kirchhoff and H. Robert Reynolds. Mr. Olson has been a sought-after clinician, conductor, and adjudicator in the United States and Canada.