A Bowling Green State University bands director will once again represent the university’s celebrated musical education programs as he leads the Wheaton Municipal Band at the 77th annual Midwest Clinic International Band, Orchestra and Music Conference on Wednesday in Chicago.

Bruce Moss, director of band activities at BGSU, will lead the ensemble at the event that draws more than 18,000 band and orchestra directors and ensembles from around the world. Bands undergo a rigorous blind audition process to secure a coveted spot in the program, making the inclusion of the Wheaton Municipal Band a testament to Moss’ exceptional leadership.

Throughout the years, the band’s roster has included several BGSU College of Musical Arts alumni. This year, Lt. Col. Ryan Nowlin, associate director of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, will serve as guest conductor and will also lead a clinic titled, “What’s Your Motivation?” as he encourages attendees to explore the purpose of music vocations. Nowlin is a former student of Moss and earned both a bachelor’s degree in music education in 2000 and a master’s degree in music education and conducting in 2004 from BGSU.

“I am looking forward to performing with the wonderful musicians in the Wheaton Municipal Band and these fabulous guests, especially Lt. Col. Ryan Nowlin, for whom I had the fortunate opportunity to serve as a mentor during his education at BGSU. I am indeed blessed,” Moss said.

Moss has led the Wheaton Municipal Band to multiple performances at the Midwest Clinic International Band, Orchestra and Music Conference and a featured performance at the 46th annual American School Band Directors Association National Convention. The band was also highlighted by CBS News Chicago as one of Chicago’s “Hidden Gems” in a broadcast in July.

Beyond professional accolades, Moss’s dedication extends to fostering a vibrant music community in the Wheaton area. The Wheaton Municipal Band boasts a rich history dating back 94 years, and it has served as a haven for talented musicians and music lovers alike. Moss’s leadership has been instrumental in preserving this tradition and ensuring the band’s continued success.

The Midwest Clinic performance provides an opportunity for BGSU to celebrate the achievements of its faculty and alumni, showcasing the University’s commitment to music education and artistic excellence, especially in this 100th anniversary year of BGSU Bands.

In addition to his leadership at BGSU, Moss has served as the conductor of the Toledo Symphony Orchestra Summer Concert Band, and as music director of the Ohio Ambassadors of Music – a bi-annual European concert tour for high school honor band, choir and orchestra students. He has served on the board of directors for the American Bandmasters Association, the College Band Directors National Association, the National Band Association, and Kappa Kappa Psi, and holds honorary memberships in numerous professional organizations.

In 2017, Moss received the Outstanding Educator Award from the Ohio Music Education Association and a Citation of Excellence from the National Band Association. In 2014, he was recognized by the Senate of the 98th General Assembly of the State of Illinois in recognition of his many years of work with the Wheaton Municipal Band. He is a past Stanbury Award recipient of the American School Band Directors Association’s North Central Region for the State of Illinois. He holds memberships in 13 professional organizations, including the prestigious American Bandmasters Association (ABA), into which he was inducted in 1995.