About
Joseph Parisi is a Curator’s Professor at the UMKC Conservatory where he conducts the Conservatory Wind Ensemble and serves as a conducting and music education faculty member. Parisi is recognized globally for his work as a clinician, conductor, performing artist, pedagogue, and scholar. As Parisi embarks on his 20th year at the UMKC Conservatory, he continues collaborating with renowned artists, commissioning new pieces for wind ensemble, chamber winds, symphonic brass, and soloists. He has an extensive recording dossier as a performer and conductor and is recognized, as “a vibrant force on the podium, who inspires all of the musicians under his baton. He is a wonderfully collaborative person whose energy is infectious” – David Hickman, Summit Brass.
Parisi is the principal conductor of Summit Brass at the Rafael Méndez Brass Institute (
www.mendezbrassinstitute.com) and the Fountain City Brass Band (
www.fcbb.net), and it is through his work with these ensembles that Parisi is recognized as one of the country’s leading conductors. Fountain City Brass Band currently leads the United States as one of the world’s top brass bands and is currently ranked as the 15th best brass band in the world, the highest-ranked American Band in history. Fountain City has recorded many albums and their newest recording, Celtic Impressions, has received widespread praise for its ensemble precision, excitement, and musicality
Dr. Parisi completed a bachelor’s degree in music education at the State University of New York at Potsdam (Crane School of Music); a master’s degree in trumpet performance and a Ph.D. in instrumental conducting/music education, both from Florida State University. While at the UMKC Conservatory, Parisi has won numerous awards including, the Kauffman Excellence in Teaching Award, the Kauffman Award for Outstanding Research and Creative Activity, and the Kauffman Outstanding Service Award.
