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Our Conductors



DAVID SCHANTZ
CONDUCTOR

David, a life-long resident of Irondequoit, taught music education in all of the West Irondequoit schools during his 34 year career. He started playing trumpet in the 3rd grade and received both his Bachelors and Masters degrees from the Eastman School of Music. He was one of the original Irondequoit Concert Band members and after one year, became its conductor, a position he held until he was elected the Supervisor for the Town of Irondequoit. He was the Supervisor for eight years, was president of the Irondequoit Land Use Coalition for 12 years, and served two terms on the East Irondequoit School Board. Now, in 2010, he has returned as the Conductor of the Irondequoit Concert Band.




RUSS THOMAS

ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR

Russ, who grew up in Amityville on Long Island,. attended SUNY College at Fredonia where he earned a Bachelors degree in Music Education in 1963 and a Masters in Education in 1968. During his 34 years career in the East Irondequoit School District, he taught music at all levels. Under his leadership, the Eastridge High School Marching Band won the state championship in 1985 and again in 1992. The highlight of his career was to be named “Outstanding Music Educator” by the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra in 1996. He began repairing musical instruments in 1968-a service that evolved into Thomas Music, Inc., a business that provides repair services to area school districts and to many individuals. He has been a volunteer fireman with the Point Pleasant Fire Department since 1967; is very active with his church, where he is choir director; and from 1998- 2010 served as conductor of the Irondequoit concert Band.