JAY A. DURNER

Conductor Emeritus

In June of 2009, Jay A. Durner retired as Conductor of the Pioneer Band after 30 years of service and relocated with his wife Christine to Virginia.  He has been named "Conductor Emeritus" of the Pioneer Band of Allentown.

Jay graduated from Salisbury High School and received his BA in Music Education from Moravian College in Bethlehem, PA.  He also has an MA in Conducting from the College of New Jersey where he studied with Dr. Edward Either,  He has completed additional studies in conducting at Northwestern University, University of North Colorado, Colorado State University and George Mason University in Virginia.  He has attended clinic sessions with H. Robert Reynolds, Anthony Maiello, Dr. Frederick Fennell and Mr. John Paynter.

Mr. Durner's most recent degree is in Education Administration from East Stroudsburg University, in East Stroudsburg, PA.  He holds teaching certificates in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and also has his Principal Certificate in New Jersey.

During his tenure as the thirteenth conductor of the Pioneer Band, the ensemble made several recordings, performed in Germany as part of the band's centennial celebration, performed on the Ellipse at the White House, and was invited to perform several times at Baltimore's Inner Harbor.

Before retiring, Jay taught at Delaware Valley Regional High School in Frenchtown, NH where he directed the Marching, Concert, and Jazz Bands.  He has also taughtt in Belvidere, NJ, Allentown, PA, and Delaware Valley College in Doylestown, PA.  He also freelances as a clinician, trombonist, and adjudicator.  He has guest conducted for a variety of organizations including the Central Jersey Region Band.

Mr. Durner is a member of the Music Educators National Conference, the National Band Association, The Association of Concert Bands, The New Jersey Music Educator's Association and the American Federation of Musician's, Local 45.

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