Get to Know Your Conductor: Orchestra!

Hey Camp! Less than two months until camp! We hope you're just as excited as we are :) Today we are taking a closer look at this summer's orchestra conductor: Dr. Dan D'Addio!

Daniel D’Addio currently serves as Professor of Music in the Department of Music at Central Connecticut State University where he teaches trumpet, chamber music, and courses in music theory. As a conductor, he is Artistic Director of the Hartford Independent Chamber Orchestra and Music Director of the Connecticut Youth Symphony.

We love Dr. Dan, and we're so excited to have him back at Laurel! For all you string players out there, playing with Dr. Dan is a HUGE treat and a great opportunity! Here's our Q&A with him:

What is your main instrument?
Trumpet


What is your favorite instrument?
My daughter's instrument – Cello!

What is my favorite European Country?
Austria. I lived there for a year as a Fulbright Scholar. Don't ask when – it was a long time ago!

What is the first thing you do upon arriving at camp?
Plug in my Latte/Cappuccino Maker in the Conductor's Cabin! 

What is your favorite color of bug juice?
I have been told it's blue. Is that right? ;)

What was your favorite performance as an instrumentalist/singer?
Playing the first classical music concert at Toad's Place in New Haven. Again don't ask when – it was a long time ago!

What's the best advice anyone has given you as an educator and/or conductor?
Never give up! 

Name an interesting non-music hobby/interest.
Watching my daughter participate in horse riding shows. Playing with my Black Labrador Retrievers, Jack and Reba! (Dr. Dan is training Jack to be a certified therapy dog!) Watching the New York Mets! 
Another interesting tidbit... I graduated from both The Ohio State University and The University of Michigan. You would think that everyone would like me. But alas, I get grief from both sides. I love my schools! Go Bucks! Go Blue!


What is your favorite band/orchestra/jazz/choral piece?
"Nimrod" from the Enigma Variations by  Edward Elgar


Thanks Dr. Dan!!!!! We can't wait to make music with you!! Campers: don't forget to get registered over at our website: CLICK HERE!

---