Pascal Licciardi is the band director of Brooklyn Studio Secondary School as well as an exceptional clarinetist. His professional success as a passionate educator and conductor is a testament to his comprehensive educational and musical achievements. He is a graduate of Edward R. Murrow High School (1995) and Brooklyn College cum laude earning a Bachelor’s in Music and Italian Literature in 2000. During his undergraduate studies he had his first formal conducting experience debuting the Brooklyn Symphonic Wind Ensemble—a professionally run organization comprised of professional musicians, music educators, and high school and college students—that he founded and directed. During this time he also furthered his clarinet skills. He studies with Laurie Freidman, participated in summer chamber music festivals, and performed with various ensemblesÑ92nd Street Y Repertoire Orchestra and Centre Symphony Orchestra under John Yaffé and the Kingsborough Community Concert Band under Simeon Loring and Ray Wheeler.To fulfill his academic and professional objectives, he interrupted his musical commitments to complete graduate coursework. In 2004 he began study in Linguistics at Hunter College (CUNY) and completed a Master’s with a Dean’s Award in TESOL (Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages) from Adelphi University in 2006. After completing his graduate degree from Adelphi University, he was determined to become an exponent of student academic success. Realizing this aspiration meant certification in school administration. In 2008 he completed graduate study in School and District Leadership from CITE: College of Saint Rose. Presently, he is culminating a Master’s in Wind Conducting from Hofstra University, bringing his academic experiences full circle.
As for recent conducting achievements, he was appointed associate conductor to the Kings County American Legion Headquarters Band, established 1930. Past members of this military band have performed with John Philip Sousa and with formidable Big Bands of the 1940s.
Professionally, he continues to work diligently in further developing his pedagogical skills as a passionate conductor, music educator, and dean. As a high school band director he has revived a dormant music program into a vibrant department that has gained praise from adjudicators, colleagues, and supervisors. In March 2009 he proudly conducted his school’s concert band at an invitational concert at Avery Fischer Hall Lincoln Center that showcased ensembles from the secondary school and collegiate levels.
Musica Bella concerts: June 6, 13, and 19, 2010
This bio last updated April 4, 2010