MEET GILLIAN MACKAY

Gillian MacKay is Professor of Music of the University of Toronto, where she conducts the Wind Ensemble and teaches graduate and undergraduate conducting.   She serves as Associate Conductor of the Jack Long Honour Band, an annual national honour band held in conjunction with MusicFest Canada each year.   Dr. MacKay has adjudicated and guest conducted in Canada, USA, Asia and the UK.   

Known for her earlier research into the relationship between conducting and mime, Gillian is currently exploring the application of the Michael Chekhov Acting Technique in the development of expressivity and character in conducting gesture.  She has also undertaken study of clown to encourage joy and spontaneity in rehearsal and performance.

Dr. MacKay leads the University of Toronto Wind Conducting Symposium each July, and has been the guest instructor at other symposia in Canada and abroad. She has been honoured twice by the Canadian Band Association, receiving both their National and International Awards. Gillian earned degrees from University of Lethbridge, University of Calgary, and McGill University. Her doctorate is from Northwestern University, where she received the DM in Trumpet Performance.