Biography
Dr. Armand Hall ( conductor, clarinetist, and educator) is the Director of Programs for the Gateways Music Festival. In this role, Dr. Hall plans, develops, and oversees all musical activities associated with the festival. Additionally, Dr. Hall is also a faculty member at the Eastman School of Music, where he teaches courses in the Art Leadership Program and Music, Teaching, and Learning (Music Education) Departments.
Prior to his role at Gateways, he served as the Executive and Artistic Director of ROCmusic Collabortive, Rochester’s El Sistema-inspired community-based, free music learning program.
Prior to ROCmusic, Dr. Hall served as Associate Director of Bands and Coordinator of Instrumental Music Education at the University of Memphis and, prior to that, as a middle and high school band director in the state of Michigan. Dr. Hall is the immediate past board chair of El Sistema USA® and serves on the boards of the Archipelago Project and the Rochester Youth Philharmonic.
A conductor and clarinetist, Dr. Hall earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education from the University of Michigan and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Wind Conducting from Michigan State University. He, along with his partner Dr. Leah McGray, co-conducts the Roads Less Travelled Ensemble, a contemporary music ensemble focused on platforming new works, many by underrepresented populations, and designing audience-focused concert experiences.
Hall joins the HPO as guest conductor for the Hamilton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra fall term beginning in September 2025.