Orchestra of Northern New York names new director following nearly two-year process
May 21—POTSDAM — After a nearly two-year research/interview/deliberation process involving 84 applicants from around the U.S., Canada and Europe, the Orchestra of Northern New York has a new music director, replacing its founder/director, Kenneth B. Andrews, who retired from the maestro post in 2022 after 35 years.
On Tuesday, the ONNY board of directors announced it had voted unanimously to accept the Music Director Search Committee's recommendation to hire Michael J. Colburn, North Hero, Vermont, as its music director.
His tenure begins June 3. Next up for the ONNY is "An American Salute," — its annual Independence Day concerts. They are scheduled for 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 2 at Thompson Park in Watertown and at 7:30 p.m. July 3 at SUNY Potsdam's Helen M. Hosmer Concert Hall.
In October, as part of the interview process, Colburn directed the ONNY at its fall concerts, titled "Inspired" in Watertown and Potsdam. The music was by composers who found inspiration in nature, exotic cultures, family, friends and even secret codes.
Timothy L. Savage, immediate past president of ONNY and chair of the Music Director Search Committee, said in a news release that the search committee believes that "Mike possesses the disposition, talents and experience that will allow ONNY to continue to attract quality musicians and build on its loyal following of volunteers, donors, and concert-goers."
He added that Colburn was selected for his artistic excellence, demonstrated leadership at the national level, potential for fundraising and audience development and interest in community outreach.
"I couldn't be more excited about succeeding Kenneth Andrews as the Music Director of the Orchestra of Northern New York," Colburn said in the news release. "I had such a wonderful time working with the musicians of ONNY during my audition week, and greatly look forward to working with them in an effort to expand the impact of ONNY on the arts and music education landscape of the north country."
Colburn is a freelance guest conductor and clinician who regularly leads professional and student ensembles in festivals, residencies and a variety of other settings throughout the country.
In July 2022, he was appointed as Music Director of the Me2/Orchestra in Burlington, Vermont. In January 2023, he joined the faculty of the University of Vermont in an adjunct capacity.
From 2014-22, Colburn served as the director of bands at Butler University in Indianapolis, where he conducted the Butler University Wind Ensemble and offered instruction in conducting, euphonium and the history and literature of the wind band.
He served for 27 years in "The President's Own" U.S. Marine Band, where he held various positions including principal euphonium (1991-96), assistant director (1996-2004), and director (2004-14).
As director, he was music adviser to the White House and regularly conducted the Marine Band and Chamber Orchestra at the Executive Mansion and at the Presidential Inaugurations of George W. Bush and Barack Obama. He was promoted to "colonel" by President Bush in a private Oval Office ceremony in 2007. In 2014, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal by General James Amos, Commandant of the Marine Corps, and the Medal of Honor by the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic Board of Directors.
Colburn is currently vice president for project enhancement for the John Philip Sousa Foundation, and is a member of Washington, D.C.'s prestigious Gridiron and Alfalfa Clubs.
Colburn's responsibilities at ONNY will include articulating the artistic vision and direction for ONNY, recommending programs and repertoire to the board's Programming Committee, serving as an ambassador to all ONNY stakeholders and working collaboratively with the executive director and board of directors on strategic planning. He will plan all artistic offerings, prepare and conduct the orchestra for concerts in 2024-25, oversee youth programs, engage in community outreach and help promote the orchestra.
