Biography:
Ron MacKay
Mr. MacKay received his formal music education at the Canadian Armed Forces School of Music, St. Xavier University, and Dalhousie University. Semi-retired he is still active as conductor, clinician and has adjudicated bands at the provincial and national level in the Atlantic and Prairie Provinces.
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He has held positions as conductor of the St. Mary's University Band, St. Xavier University Wind Ensemble, Dalhousie University Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Scotia Wind Ensemble. He is presently conductor of Scotia Brass, Halifax Concert Band and a performing member of the Sackville Concert Band. He is a band consultant/clincian for Buckley's Music Halifax.
Ron spends much of his time arranging and composing music for young bands with over 70 publications for band, including 11 commissions. The "Annapolis Royal Suite" commissioned by the Annapolis Basin Community Band, was premiered July 17 at Fort Anne, for the 400th anniversary of Annapolis Royal/Port Royal, Nova Scotia. His latest work "Megumoowesoo" based on a First Nation Indian legend, commissioned by the Nova Scotia Jr. wind Ensemble was premiered November 6, 2005.
He is one of the founders of the Nova Scotia Youth Wind Ensemble, and the rebirth of the Canadian Band Association National Youth Band of Canada.
Mr. MacKay has been honoured as a life member of the Canadian Band Association, Nova Scotia Band Association, Nova Scotia Music Educators Association, Music Industry Association Nova Scotia, and is an International Member of the Band Masters Fraternity Phi Beta Mu. In 1997 he was awarded the National Band Award. This is the highest award presented by the Canadian Band Association.