Biography
A dynamic conductor of both wind band and orchestral ensembles, Dr. Leah McGray is currently the Conductor of the Wind Orchestra at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Previously, she was the Director of Instrumental Studies for the State University of New York at Geneseo, and Rhodes College in Memphis TN, conducting the Geneseo Symphony Orchestra, Geneseo Wind Ensemble, the Rhodes College Orchestra and Wind Ensemble, and teaching classes in conducting and musicianship.
Dr. McGray earned her degrees from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, University of Toronto, and Acadia University. She is in demand internationally as an adjudicator and has been a guest conductor for youth orchestras and honour bands across the United States, South Korea, and Canada, including the 2023 National Youth Band of Canada. Twice awarded major research grants from SSHRC, her scholarship explores techniques of non-verbal leadership, and wind ensemble repertoire by traditionally underrepresented composers.
Dr. McGray joins the HPO as guest conductor for the Hamilton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra Winter term beginning in February 2026.