ASU School of Music, Dance and Theatre announces new director of orchestras
Alejandro Gómez Guillén, director of orchestras at Arizona State University’s School of Music, Dance and Theatre. Courtesy photo
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,”
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