We recently had the opportunity to catch up with Dr. Mike Fansler, Professor of Music and Director of Bands at Western Illinois University. Under Mike’s leadership, the Western Illinois Wind Ensemble maintains a demanding performance schedule, presenting a range of repertoire from historically significant masterworks to exciting world premieres. His Navona Records album THE RIVER OF TIME features the Western Illinois University Wind Ensemble under his direction. In this interview, we discussed how Mike not only became a musician but also a music educator, the riveting and emotional story of how the album came to be, and more.
Thank you Mike for taking the time to speak with PARMA! THE RIVER OF TIME will be available for streaming or purchase on November 8 – click here to pre-order.
Mike Fansler is Professor of Music and Director of Bands at Western Illinois University in Macomb IL, where he provides direction and leadership for its comprehensive band program. He serves as conductor of the university Wind Ensemble and Chamber Players and teaches graduate and undergraduate conducting. He has served Western Illinois University since 2001.
