Biography
Composer Daniel McConnachie was born in Toronto, Ontario and educated at Queen’s University, University of Toronto and Boston University.
His teachers have included Istvan Anhalt, Clifford Crawley, John Weinzweig, Gustav Ciamaga, John Wallace and Benjamin Berman. From 1980 till 2008 he lived in Newmarket, Ontario, where he was a music teacher with the York Region Board of Education, concluding his career as the Head of Music at Stouffville District Secondary School. He currently lives in Kingston.
Since retirement from teaching McConnachie has returned to his first loves, composing and playing the bassoon. He enjoys writing for ensembles of many kinds and has been commissioned to write music for soloists and ensembles, such as Orchestra Kingston and The York Region Teacher’s Chorus. Of particular interest has been music for educational ensembles from full band to stage band. Upcoming projects in this area include a march for band written for Richmond Hill High School, based on the school song and the folk song The Lass of Richmond Hill.
An interest in his musical heritage has also lead to an ongoing interest in Celtic Music and Scottish folk songs, especially as found in Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island. The result of this research has been the composition of two recent commissions for Orchestra Kingston, Scottish Folk Song Suite, which was premiered in the winter of 2015 and Rìghle, which was premiered in the winter of 2016. These pieces reflected on the composer’s heritage and allowed him to expand his orchestral pallet.
REsume
Education
- Doctor of Musical Arts, Boston University, 2008-2011
- Concentration: Composition and Theory
- Honour Specialist: Music, Queen’s University, 2001
- Bachelor of Education, Queen’s University, 1980
Concentration: Intermediate/Senior Music - Master of Music, University of Toronto, 1979
Concentration: Composition and Theory
Thesis: Triptych for Orchestra - Bachelor of Music, Queen’s University, 1976
Teaching Experience
- Head of Music (2000 to 2008)
York Region District School Board (Stouffville District Secondary School)
Instrumental Music (Band and Jazz Ensembles) - Music Teacher (1993-2000)
York Region District School Board (Richmond Hill High School)
Instrumental Music/Musical Theatre - Music Teacher (Jan. 1981-1993)
York Region District School Board
Instrumental/Vocal Music - Teaching Assistant (1979-1980)
Queen’s University
Course: Traditional Harmony - Artist In The Classroom (1978-1979)
Napanee District Secondary School
Composer in Residence - Teaching Assistant (1976-1978)
University of Toronto
Course: Traditional Harmony
Professional Affiliations
- Canadian Band Association
- Canadian League of Composers
- Canadian Music Educators Association
- Ontario College of Teachers
- Ontario Music Educators Association
- Society of Canadian Authors and Music Publishers
Scholarships/Awards
- Ontario Arts Council (1978-1979)
- Kingston Symphony Scholarship in Music (1975)
Skills and Qualifications
- I have been composing and arranging music for various educational situations for over 30 years. Since retiring in 2008, my focus has been on works for professional and community ensembles. I am also familiar with computer programs such as Microsoft Office and Finale.
References
- Professional & personal references available on request.
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A Lifetime of Music
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