Jeff Malecki
Biography
Dr. Malecki has earned degrees in music education and instrumental conducting from Central Michigan University, VanderCook College of Music and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. His primary conducting teachers include Thomas Leslie, John Williamson, Charles Menghini and Takayoshi Suzuki. Other conducting experiences and masterclasses include work with Craig Kirchoff, J. Julian and John R. Bourgeois. This has conducted with the top groups in Las Vegas, as well as in Ireland and Italy. His five years of public and private school teaching experience was defined by incredible growth, both in size (Sunnyslope High School band grew by 350%, orchestra by 100%) and quality (earning “Giving Music the Edge” radio award and notable advances in regional honor participation). While at UNLV, his dissertation on the life and transcription style of Col. John R. Bourgeois has lead him to further research in cataloguing Col. Bourgeois’ Marine Band programs and analyzing common trends. There has been optimistic contact with GIA Publications to compile and publish the results.
As a euphonium player, Dr. Malecki has performed with various ensembles throughout Michigan, Arizona, Nevada and internationally. Notable groups include the Brass Band of Battle Creek (MI), City of Cambridge Brass Band (England), Salt River Brass Band (AZ) and Orcestra Sinfonico de Trujillo (Peru). He performed a recital at the 2008 regional ITEA Conference in Los Angeles, CA and co-conducted the UNLV Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble at the 2009 International ITEA Conference in Tucson, AZ. At SXU, he has organized the annual “OkTUBAfest” low brass day and has performed a recital in collaboration with SXU faculty pianist Tim Lenihan and percussionist Brett Baxter.
While serving as Director of Bands and Orchestra at St. Xavier University in Chicago, Dr. Malecki has conducted the world premier of Emily Lawlor’s As White As Snow, which included an interactive Skyped-rehearsal with the composer, and the world premier transcription by David Irish of Johann Strauss’ Plappermaulchen Polka.The Wind Ensemble will also co-premier as part of a commissioning consortium David Avshalomov’s Vignettes in 2013. Guest conductors have included Colonel John R. Bourgeois and Dr. Thomas Bough. Ensemble participation and quality have grown significantly, as evidenced in the addition of a second community band in spring 2013. His professional affiliations include CBDNA, ITEA, IMEA and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
