(Meredith Music Resource). This incredible book by one of the world's foremost authorities on conducting contains no conducting patterns, and no advice on how to conduct any piece. Instead, it focuses on the skills, knowledge and experiences needed to become and function as a conductor-teacher. "This text is a 'must have' for all serious musicians. It captures the legacy and wisdom of one of the most important conductors of our time. This is what can happen when a focused and inquisitive mind meets up with a uniquely creative imagination." Eugene Migliaro Corporon, Director of Wind Studies, College of Music University of North Texas Click here for a YouTube video on On Becoming a Conductor "The book is packed with useful charts and diagrams, and Battisti intersperses his expertise with thoughts and suggestions from other experts in the field. This is a book to come back to again and again, as much a valuable reference as an excellent and interesting read." The Instrumentalist (March 2008) "The book is full of quotations by famous conductors, composers, musicians, critics, educators, philosophers and psychologists. In addition to illuminating Battisti's text, these quotes alone provide plenty of material for meditation and inspiration." Leon J. BlyWASBE Newsletter "...Its lessons apply equally well to conductors of all levels of experience, and its meditations will bring new insight to this wonderfully complex art. It is truly a "must have." William L. BerzRutgers University Becoming a Wind Band/Ensemble Conductor contains no conducting patterns or suggestions on how to conduct excerpts and/or any piece of music. There are numerous conducting books available that provide this kind of information. Instead, Becoming a Wind Band/Ensemble Conductor focuses on the tools, skills, and responsibilities needed by a conductor-teacher. It has been said that there are two kinds of conductors: "One handles traffic, the other makes music." I hope that what is contained in this book proves helpful in developing conductors who can do both, "make music and handle traffic." Frank L. Battisti                                                                                             Frank L. Battisti is Conductor Emeritus of the New England Conservatory Wind Ensemble. Today the NEC Wind Ensemble is recognized as one of the premiere ensembles of its kind in the United States and throughout the world.  It's performances and recordings for Centaur, Albany and Golden Crest records have earned high critical praise and accolades. Battisti was also Principal Guest Conductor of the Longy School of Music Chamber Winds, Cambridge, MA from 2000 - 2008 and founder and Music Director of the Tanglewood Institute's Young Artists Wind Ensemble from 2000 - 2004.  In 2005 he became the Ensemble's Conductor Emeritus.            Dr.Battisti is responsible for commissioning and premiering over 60 works for wind ensemble by distinguished American and world composers and has guest conducted numerous wind bands/ensembles and served as a visiting teacher/clinician throughout the United States and world.             Past President of the U.S. College Band Directors National Association, Battisti is also a member of the American Bandmasters Association, founder of the National Wind Ensemble Conference, World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles, Massachusetts Youth Wind Ensemble and New England College Band Association (NECBA).   Considered one of the world's foremost authorities on wind music literature, Battisti has written seven books and numerous articles on wind ensemble/band literature, conducting and music education for national and international professional journals and magazines. He is the recipient of many awards and honors including Honorary Doctor of Music degrees from Ithaca College, Rhode Island College and the New England Conservatory of Music.   Officially retired, Battisti maintains a very active guest conducting, teaching and writing career.  He lives in Leverett, Massachusetts with his wife of 57 years, Charlotte. Used Book in Good Condition