Founder and long term director of the Hochstein Youth Symphony Orchestra (HYSO), Nancy Strelau, is retiring after 20 years on the conductor’s podium. She passes the baton to Hochstein faculty member Casey Springstead, current director of Youth Wind Symphony and a Webster resident.
Springstead continues the tradition of excellence with a bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Eastman School of Music. Since 1999, he has been an instrumental music teacher at the junior high and senior high levels in the West Irondequoit School District.
As a guest conductor, he has led Cordancia, the Nazareth College Concert Band, Irondequoit Concert Band, Brighton Symphony Orchestra, Rochester’s New Horizons Band, and All-County bands in western New York.
Previous Hochstein appointments include assistant director of the Philharmonia and director of the Junior Wind Symphony.
He is a member of Hochstein resident ensemble TWENTY21 and has conducted performances of Copland’s Appalachian Spring in addition to Stravinsky’s Histoire du Soldat and Octet, including a performance on WXXI’s “Live from Hochstein” radio broadcast.
“Casey has superb musicianship, considerable experience and success engaging and leading a variety of music ensembles, and has deep connections to the greater Rochester community,” said Peggy Quackenbush, Hochstein President and Executive Director.
Springstead is also active as a collaborative pianist, accompanying Rochester area high school and college musicians for recitals and auditions.
He is originally from Hammondsport, New York, and lives in Webster with his wife, Kirsta Rodean, and their son, Orson.
Founder and long term director of the Hochstein Youth Symphony Orchestra (HYSO), Nancy Strelau, is retiring after 20 years on the conductor’s podium. She passes the baton to Hochstein faculty member Casey Springstead, current director of Youth Wind Symphony and a Webster resident.
Springstead continues the tradition of excellence with a bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Eastman School of Music. Since 1999, he has been an instrumental music teacher at the junior high and senior high levels in the West Irondequoit School District.
As a guest conductor, he has led Cordancia, the Nazareth College Concert Band, Irondequoit Concert Band, Brighton Symphony Orchestra, Rochester’s New Horizons Band, and All-County bands in western New York.
Previous Hochstein appointments include assistant director of the Philharmonia and director of the Junior Wind Symphony.
He is a member of Hochstein resident ensemble TWENTY21 and has conducted performances of Copland’s Appalachian Spring in addition to Stravinsky’s Histoire du Soldat and Octet, including a performance on WXXI’s “Live from Hochstein” radio broadcast.
“Casey has superb musicianship, considerable experience and success engaging and leading a variety of music ensembles, and has deep connections to the greater Rochester community,” said Peggy Quackenbush, Hochstein President and Executive Director.
Springstead is also active as a collaborative pianist, accompanying Rochester area high school and college musicians for recitals and auditions.
He is originally from Hammondsport, New York, and lives in Webster with his wife, Kirsta Rodean, and their son, Orson.
