We'd love to hear from you!

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

TAA Faculty

The Academy core faculty consists of twenty nationally recognized professors, academic instructors, and artists assembled from leading, universities, schools, and arts institutions from throughout the United States. A rigorous curriculum, cutting-edge methodology, and a unique philosophical perspective provide world-class instruction, community, and renewal to arts educators from across Tennessee and the nation.

Virtual Winter Retreat Faculty

William

 

Lake, Jr.

Music

 Faculty

William L. Lake, Jr. is the director of concert bands for the school of music at George Mason University where he conducts the George Mason University Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band. He also teaches conducting and wind literature classes. Previously, he served as associate director of bands and assistant professor of music education at the Crane School of Music for the State University of New York at Potsdam, where he was co-conductor of the Northern Symphonic Winds, principal conductor of the Crane Concert Band, and guest conductor of the Crane Wind Ensemble. Lake earned his doctorate in instrumental conducting from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro under the mentorship of John R. Locke and Kevin Geraldi.

Lake maintains an active performance and clinic schedule as a guest conductor and lecturer nationwide. In March 2024, he was named the music and artistic director of the Capital Wind Symphony. Recently, Lake served as a collaborating author for two books, Teaching Instrumental Music: Perspectives and Pedagogies for the 21st Century (Oxford University Press) and Music Education on the Verge: Stories of Pandemic Teaching and Transformative Change (Lexington Books). As a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Lake has presented numerous seminars across the United States on inclusive practices in music education and performance.

Core Class Description

Gesture as Language: Unlocking Communication Through Movement

9:00 -10:30 AM

In this engaging ninety-minute virtual session, participants will explore the profound connection between conducting gestures and musical communication. Drawing on principles of kinesiology, expressive movement, and ensemble leadership, this session will equip participants with tools to refine their physical vocabulary, and ensure clarity and intentionality in every gesture.

Salt, Pepper, Ketchup, and Old Bay: Seasoning Your Score Study for Maximum Impact

10:45 AM—12:15 PM

Just as a dish requires the right balance of flavors to come alive, a musical performance demands thoughtful preparation and attention to detail. In this workshop, participants will explore the "seasonings" of score study: the unique and essential questions conductors must ask to fully internalize a piece of music and bring it to life. Participants will engage with thought-provoking prompts and practical strategies for developing a deeper connection with their scores. By the end of the session, attendees will have a toolkit of "seasonings" to bring their interpretations to life, creating performances as flavorful and memorable as a well-crafted meal.

Tennessee Arts Academy • Tennessee Arts Academy Foundation
801 2nd Avenue North  • Suite 100 • Nashville, Tennessee 37201
615-988-6250 • taa@tnartsacademy.org