The Winds of Change: The Evolution of the Contemporary American Wind Band/Ensemble and its Conductor

(Meredith Music Resource). This expansion on Battisti's The Twentieth Century American Wind Band/Ensemble includes discussions on the contribution of important wind band/ensemble personalities and organizations, and provides important information on hundreds of compositions for this medium. Challenges facing the 21st century wind band/ensemble conductor including training and development are also discussed. Click here for a YouTube video on The Winds of Change

Frank L. Battisti is Conductor Emeritus of the New England Conservatory Wind Ensemble. Today the NEC Wind Ensemble is recognized as one of the premiere ensembles of its kind in the United States and throughout the world.  It's performances and recordings for Centaur, Albany and Golden Crest records have earned high critical praise and accolades. Battisti was also Principal Guest Conductor of the Longy School of Music Chamber Winds, Cambridge, MA from 2000 - 2008 and founder and Music Director of the Tanglewood Institute's Young Artists Wind Ensemble from 2000 - 2004.  In 2005 he became the Ensemble's Conductor Emeritus.
           Dr.Battisti is responsible for commissioning and premiering over 60 works for wind ensemble by distinguished American and world composers and has guest conducted numerous wind bands/ensembles and served as a visiting teacher/clinician throughout the United States and world.  
          Past President of the U.S. College Band Directors National Association, Battisti is also a member of the American Bandmasters Association, founder of the National Wind Ensemble Conference, World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles, Massachusetts Youth Wind Ensemble and New England College Band Association (NECBA).  
Considered one of the world's foremost authorities on wind music literature, Battisti has written seven books and numerous articles on wind ensemble/band literature, conducting and music education for national and international professional journals and magazines.
He is the recipient of many awards and honors including Honorary Doctor of Music degrees from Ithaca College, Rhode Island College and the New England Conservatory of Music.  
Officially retired, Battisti maintains a very active guest conducting, teaching and writing career.  He lives in Leverett, Massachusetts with his wife of 57 years, Charlotte.