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Dr. Daniel Cook is Director of Bands and Assistant Professor of Music Performance at Ithaca College. In this role, he leads the renowned Ithaca College Wind Ensemble, overseeing all aspects of the ensemble’s performances, rehearsals, and artistic programming. His work at Ithaca includes teaching courses in music performance, conducting pedagogy, and select components of the music education curriculum. Cook earned Doctor of Musical Arts with program honors and Master of Music degrees in conducting from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, where he studied with Dr. Mallory Thompson. He graduated magna cum laude with the Bachelor of Music degree in music education from the University of Georgia in Athens.
Prior to joining Ithaca College, Cook was a Lecturer in Wind Studies at the University of North Texas (UNT), where he directed the UNT Wind Ensemble and the acclaimed 435-member Green Brigade Marching Band, as well as taught graduate and undergraduate conducting. The Wind Ensemble was the winner of the 2021 American Prize in Wind Ensemble Performance, and the Green Brigade earned significant recognition, including a standout performance in the Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Parade and regular appearances at Bands of America and Texas UIL events.
Cook is delighted to be returning to the brass staff with the Santa Clara Vanguard, where he has served as an Ensemble Specialist and Consultant. Cook’s Drum Corps International background also includes music instructional positions with the Phantom Regiment and Blue Knights. Cook was a marching member of Carolina Crown in 2007, 2008, and 2009, along with many others on this brass faculty.
Cook’s ensemble performances have received acclaim, most recently by such composers as Bryant, Daugherty, Del Tredici, Gotkovsky, Higdon, and Schwantner. Ensembles under his direction have performed at the Florida and Texas state music conferences, Bands of America events, the Texas UIL State contest, as well as at the Music for All National Concert Band Festival. Cook’s professional accomplishments extend beyond the classroom and the concert stage. He is a frequent guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator at concert festivals and marching band contests, honor bands, and conferences throughout the United States and abroad.
