Interim Director – Mike Gardner
A native to Alberta, Canada, where he currently resides, Mike began his music career at the age of 18 as a freelance musician. He pursued his music education at the University of North Texas and the University of Missouri. For 40 years he has been an educator and director of bands and choral music at all levels, directing school and community programs to high standards of achievement and opportunity for its members. His cumulative experience as an educator, musician, director, and leader gives Mike a foundation of skill and creativity which he is passionate to continue to develop and share.
During this time Mike continued as a professional saxophone player, working as a freelance musician with numerous local and international artists, band leaders, and organizations. Since retiring from public teaching, Mike continues to perform and provide a variety services to clients interested live music for all types of venues and functions.
Mike is creating an expanding list of compositions and arrangements for wind band, combos, choir, jazz ensemble and educational materials. He publishes and markets his own material. He recently completed a commissioned work featuring the original work of a local indigenous musician for concert band. Mike’s unique abilities as an educator and composer would be an asset for any organization looking not only to have a commissioned work done that is tailormade for their group but also bring him in as a guest artist and conductor.
Our Director (on leave) – Anthony Reimer
Anthony Reimer has been the conductor of Foothills Concert Band since March 1999. He has a Masters in Wind Conducting from the University of Calgary as well as BMus and BEd degrees. In 2011, he was awarded with Life Membership in the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE) for his volunteer service work, including work as their web site publisher and newsletter publisher. He currently works as the Head Technician for the Integrated Arts Media Labs at the University of Calgary. Prior to that, he worked as a secondary school teacher in Southern Alberta and as a band music specialist in the the music industry.
During Anthony’s tenure with Foothills Concert Band, the band has been known for the breadth of musical repertoire that it performs. The band was featured in his final Masters recital, only the third community band ever to take part in such a recital at the University of Calgary. Anthony sees his musical future (and present) in the community band scene, and is extremely pleased to be a part of the tradition that is Foothills Concert Band.