In 2016, Dr. Eric Hammer gathered together a group performers, educators, and former students to form a professional wind band. Although the intended name for the ensemble "The Best Group You Should Play In Should Not Be Your College Wind Ensemble Band" proved too long to be practical, it served as a point of departure for the ensemble’s purpose.
Dr. Hammer combined his love for the wind band with his commitment to music education to form the New Hammer Concert Band. The professional-level ensemble performs quality wind band literature while serving music in San Joaquin County schools through clinics and ticket sales. Performers hail from all over California and the Pacific Northwest.
Dr. Hammer combined his love for the wind band with his commitment to music education to form the New Hammer Concert Band. The professional-level ensemble performs quality wind band literature while serving music in San Joaquin County schools through clinics and ticket sales. Performers hail from all over California and the Pacific Northwest.
|
About Dr. Eric Hammer
Dr. Eric Hammer served 26 years as Director of Bands and Professor of Music Education at the University of the Pacific Conservatory of Music in Stockton, California. He earned a Bachelors of Music in Education from University of the Pacific, a Master of Music in conducting from University of Oregon, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from University of Oregon. At Pacific, Eric lead the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and University Concert Band as well as teaching courses in Brass Pedagogy, Conducting/Score Analysis, Rehearsal Techniques and Band Development. He also hosted the Pacific Western Concert Band Festival, advised the Pacific Pep Band, supervised student teachers, and served on the Conservatory Planning and Priorities Committee. Additionally, Dr. Hammer was an active guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator throughout the country.
Eric's background included an Iowa upbringing and sixteen years of public school teaching experience. He was past President of the Western Division College Band Directors National Association and has also held leadership positions with California Music Educators Bay Section, Pacific Music Camp, the California Unit of the International Association of Jazz Educators, and the Yuba County Arts Council. Eric was a member of the College Band Directors National Association, the National Association for Music Education, Phi Kappa Phi, California Band Directors Association, National Band Association, Pi Kappa Lambda, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles. He has twice been honored as the Conservatory's most Inspirational Professor and was the original recipient of the University "Golden Apple" Mentor award for his positive influence on the lives of his students and the University. Dr. Eric Hammer passed away on January 28th, 2019. |