Instrument/Department: Conducting/Summer Music Education Class
Joined Hochstein faculty in: 2024
A dynamic conductor in both the orchestral and wind band worlds, Leah McGray is the Director of Instrumental Studies for the State University of New York at Geneseo, where she conducts the Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and teaches classes in conducting and theory.
Dr. McGray previously held a similar position at Rhodes College in Memphis TN and has been guest conductor for the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Memphis Youth Symphony Orchestra, Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, Penfield Symphony Orchestra, and the 2023 National Youth Band of Canada. She is in demand internationally as a conductor and adjudicator across the United States, South Korea, and Canada.
McGray earned her DMA in conducting at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, the Master of Music from University of Toronto, and Bachelor of Music and Education degrees from Acadia University, Canada. She was twice awarded major grants from the Social Science Humanities and Research Council in Canada, and her research explores techniques of non-verbal leadership, and orchestral and wind ensemble repertoire by traditionally underrepresented composers.
More About Leah McGray
Hometown: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
What inspires me: The beauty of nature in our everyday world, and the joy of my family!
Why the arts matter: The arts and music are ways to connect deeply with people of all different walks of life, and creates empathy and understanding into someone else's experience.
Favorite things to do in Rochester area: Walking in Highland Park, swimming at the beach on Lake Ontario, playing with my children at the Strong National Museum of Play
When I’m not at Hochstein, you can find me: conducting at SUNY Geneseo, and working in my gardens
My favorite local restaurant: John's Tex-Mex on South Ave.
Favorite places to travel: Chicago, Toronto, and New York City
Favorite movie and books: Lord of the Rings
What people would be surprised to know about me: I grew up on a farm on the East Coast of Canada!