Music Director

Ronald Waiksnoris ranks among the very best conductors and musicians in the worldwide brass band scene. His outstanding achievements over a 24-year period as musical director of the New York Staff Band now stand as the longest and most impressive in the long history of that excellent ensemble. Whether on tour, on the concert stage, or on a superb series of recordings, the Waiksnoris NYSB has made its mark on the international level. Leading brass authorities consider him among the finest leaders of the day, with Professor Nicholas Childs of Black Dyke Band declaring him “a bandmaster of immense stature.” He capped off his final years with the NYSB by giving critically acclaimed joint concerts by the NYSB and Black Dyke in the Royal Northern College of Music (Manchester, England), and New York City.
Prior to his tenure as conductor of the NYSB, Waiksnoris had already achieved international acclaim as a cornet soloist, symbolically capped by his heralded performances in such venues as London’s Royal Albert Hall, which few cornetists can claim. He has been an effective teacher and guide to thousands of rising brass players for the past 40 years, and continues to share his expertise as a player, whether with beginners or with the most advanced players.

His impact in the brass band community goes well beyond the subculture of Salvation Army music. As an adjudicator and clinician he has been involved in such contests as the Norwegian Brass Band Championships, the annual contests of the North American Brass Band Association, and the Mid-Atlantic Brass Band Festival. In addition to his current role as music director of Imperial Brass, Waiksnoris continues to feature as a guest conductor with a wide range of brass bands across North America, Europe, and Asia.. Wherever and whenever he features, his impact comes on multiple levels—exciting and varied programming, appropriate musical style, and outstanding musical insight.