The education I received from NEC's Wind Ensemble Conducting Program has been life-changing. This unique program equipped me with the necessary skills for an enriched, successful conductor’s life both on and off-podium.
The music I studied and conducted covered a wide range from classical to contemporary, and from chamber music to operatic repertoire. This thoroughly prepared me not only to be a “wind ensemble conductor,” but a “conductor” who is versatile and feels comfortable working across all genres of music, and more importantly, different types of musicians.
Moreover, while in the program, I served as a conducting assistant. This is where I learned all the detailed aspects of being a music director, from doing librarian work, teaching basic conducting class, and indeed running the ensembles.
Charles Peltz shines as the brightest role model. His wide-ranging talents as a conductor, teacher, mentor, and as a person, are unchallenged. His pedagogical approach, intellect, discipline, and leadership are a continual inspiration for all fortunate enough to attend his program. It is this program that has shaped me. Thanks to all experience, knowledge and discipline I learned here, I know how to work in my current position effectively, confidently, and wisely.
Thanapol Setabrahmana
Thanks to what I learned here, I know how to work in my current position effectively, confidently, and wisely.
Thanapol Setabrahmana completed New England Conservatory's Master of Music Degree in Wind Ensemble Conducting in 2011.
He is chair of the Conducting and Large Ensembles department at Mahidol University in Thailand, and Music Director of the Mahidol Wind Orchestra.