ASU School of Music, Dance and Theatre announces new director of orchestras
As a passionate artist, a devoted educator and a leader on and off the podium, Alejandro Gómez Guillén understands the important role that a 21st-century conductor/educator plays as an agent for change in the communities they serve.
“From the first downbeat I gave when I stood in front of the ASU musicians, I felt an immediate connection and this intangible jolt of energy,” said Guillén, who recently joined Arizona State University’s School of Music, Dance and Theatre as assistant professor of conducting and director of orchestras.
“I am very excited about the continued potential for the students, for the program and the possibility of being a point of reference nationally and internationally, particularly in terms of innovation,” Guillén added.
Having had the opportunity to make music at a high level as a singer, a violinist, a chamber musician, an orchestral player and a conductor, Guillén is fascinated by and has a passion for the notion of lifelong learning.
“I try to see myself as a human being who is fortunate to be an artist and who is lucky to express myself through all these different outlets,” Guillén said. “Whether teaching one on one, from the podium, in a classroom or out in the community, I rely on my life experiences, integrating all sources of knowledge at my disposal to make concepts impactful and holistic.”
Guillén said he has been long fascinated by the notion that even though the conductor does not produce sound
Because of his rich musical upbringing in his native Colombia and
“I see my role as that of a conduit of the collective energy of the musicians and as a way to share music with audiences,” he said.
“I believe that great music is great music regardless of the genre and that the orchestra as an instrument is an ideal vehicle to improve the lives of those who experience its power,”
More Arts, humanities and education
ASU Gammage program brings the arts to incarcerated women
Laughter might not be the first thing you expect to hear when arriving at Maricopa County Estrella Jail, the all-women prison facility in south Phoenix. But it was there on a recent afternoon, down…
Maryvale girls gain confidence through volleyball program
Life as a teen or tween can be tough, particularly for girls. That's why an Arizona State University partnership with a community center in West Phoenix is building confidence in girls through…
ASU double major plans to use Japanese studies in her business career
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2024 graduates. Racine Merritt is a business-minded, ambitious go-getter through and through, beginning with earning two…