Second Season Opener
Sunday, September 27, 2026

Guest Conductor, Mallory Thompson

Mallory Thompson is Director of Bands Emeritus at Northwestern University. During her tenure, as only the third person in the university’s history to hold the director of bands position, Mallory conducted the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, taught undergraduate and graduate conducting, and administered all aspects of the band program. She made five recordings with the Northwestern University Symphonic Wind Ensemble on the Summit Records label, which are available for streaming on Spotify and Apple Music. She continues to serve as Artistic Director of the Northshore Concert Band.

As an active guest conductor, teacher, and guest lecturer throughout the United States and Canada, Mallory has had the privilege of teaching conducting to thousands of undergraduates, graduate students, and professional educators. She has also guest conducted professional ensembles including the United States Air Force Band, the United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” and the Dallas Wind Symphony. In 2019, she was awarded the Medal of Honor by the Midwest Clinic in recognition of her service to music education and continuing influence on the development and improvement of bands and orchestras worldwide.

Mallory received her Bachelor of Music Education degree and Master of Music degree in conducting from Northwestern University, where she studied conducting with John P. Paynter and trumpet with Vincent Cichowicz. She received her Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Eastman School of Music, where she studied with Donald Hunsberger. Mallory grew up in the Minneapolis area and graduated from St. Anthony Village High School (Go, Huskies!).