Heather Buchman
Chair and John L. Baldwin, Jr. Professor in Music, Acting Chair of Dance and Movement Studies
Heather Buchman is director of the Hamilton College Orchestra and the Chamber Music program. She also serves as Education and Outreach Conductor for Symphoria, Syracuse’s professional orchestra. With Symphoria she has developed several innovative programs for the Education and Spark series. Buchman’s work in regional arts advocacy was recognized by the Society for New Music in 2013 and Civic Morning Musicals in 2014. In 2012 she received Hamilton College’s Class of 1963 Award for Outstanding Teaching. Buchman was principal trombonist of the San Diego Symphony for nine years. She won prizes at the ARD International Music Competition in Munich, Germany and the New York Philharmonic Young Artists Concerto Competition. A longtime student of movement, she recently began studying ballet. She explores the parallels between music and dance in her teaching and performance. Other interests include sound art, as well as the connections between music/sound and other art forms.
Recent Courses Taught
Hamilton College Orchestra
Brass Ensemble
Music in Europe and America Since 1900
Topics in Music: Orchestration
Distinctions
- 2014 Civic Morning Musicals – Ruth Edson Award for outstanding musician contribution to the community
- 2013 Society for New Music citation for contributions to the arts
- 2012 Class of 1962 Award for Outstanding Teaching
- 2008 League of American Orchestras – recipient of Women Conductors Grant
- 1992 National Symphony Orchestra Emerging Artists Competition – winner
- 1989 ARD International Music Competition, Munich, Germany – winner
- 1988 Brisbane, Australia, International Trombone Competition – winner
- 1984 New York Philharmonic Young Artists Concerto Competition – winner
College Service
Mellon curricular leader, 2009-2013
Campus Planning Committee, 2009-12
Marketing Study Group, 2010-12
Ad hoc Committee on Educational Goals, 2010-11
Hamilton College Faculty Committee on Admissions and Financial Aid, 2004-09
Professional Affiliations
League of American Orchestras
Conductors Guild
College Orchestra Directors’ Association
CNY Arts – board member
Appointed to the Faculty
2001Educational Background
Professional Studies in Conducting, The Juilliard School
M.M., University of Michigan
B.M., Eastman School of Music
