Dr. Nicholas J. Contorno
Dr. Nicholas J. Contorno is former Director of Bands at Marquette University in Milwaukee,
Wisconsin, where he retired in 2006. He received his undergraduate and master’s degrees in music education from the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee and was granted a Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Composition from the University of Wisconsin at Madison.
His professional career spans such roles as published composer, arranger, educator, guest
conductor, adjudicator saxophone soloist and composer in residence. He has been a highly
successful and visible educator at all levels of school bands both as a conductor and clinician. His works for the young musician has made him one of the most beloved composers for concert and jazz bands.
Dr. Contorno’s interest and knowledge in the development of the American Wind Band led to the rise to national prominence of the 1st Brigade Band, 15th Army corp of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, formerly of Broadhead, Wisconsin is a modern re-creation of the famous original Civil War band from Wisconsin.
