Dr. Donald Schleicher

Biography

Donald Schleicher is the Director of Orchestras and Artist-in-Residence at the Bienen School of Music, Northwestern University. He conducts the Northwestern University Symphony Orchestra and has held significant positions, including 26 years as Director of Orchestras at the University of Illinois, where he was honored as the Daniel J. Perrino Professor Emeritus. His extensive experience includes being a Resident Conductor at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music and the Music Director and Principal Opera Conductor for the Pine Mountain Music Festival. Schleicher has also served in roles such as high school band director in Williamsville, New York, and Director of Bands at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Notably, he has conducted prestigious orchestras both in the United States and internationally, including engagements with the National Philharmonic of Ukraine and various symphony orchestras in South Korea and China. An advocate for public school music education, he has conducted numerous All-State orchestras and festivals. As a conducting teacher, Schleicher is involved in the International Conducting Workshop and Festival and frequently leads master classes at major music institutions across the country. His students have gone on to achieve prestigious conducting positions around the world.

Research Interests