About me
Cynthia Johnston Turner is a highly sought-after conductor and clinician internationally. She was appointed Dean of the Faculty of Music at Wilfrid Laurier University in July 2021 where she has led a music school of approximately 475 undergraduate and graduates. During her tenure at Laurier, the Faculty of Music has completely overhauled the curriculum to dismantle hierarchies between "Classical" and "Popular" music. She also oversees the Laurier Academy of Music and Arts, a school serving approximately 1000 community members. Previously, she served as Director of Bands on the faculty of the Hugh Hodgson School of Music at the University of Georgia where she oversaw the entire UGA Band program, including the 440-member Redcoat Marching Band, Masters and Doctoral students in conducting, was chair of the conducting area, and artistic director of the Contemporary Chamber Ensemble. She formerly served on the faculty of Cornell University, where she directed the Wind Ensemble, Wind Symphony, Ensemble X, and chamber winds. She was appointed Artistic Director and Conductor of the Wellington Wind Symphony in 2023 and Festival Winds at Summer Music Society in 2024. She has served on faculty with the American Band College since 2021 and was recently elected President of the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles.
