By Kevin Owen
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
Towson University’s band program entered a new chapter this fall as Branden Steinmetz stepped into the role of director of bands.
Steinmetz succeeded Christopher Cicconi, who led the program for nearly a decade. Steinmetz’s arrival has brought a renewed sense of energy and collaboration to the department as students and faculty adjust to a transition marked more by continuity than disruption.
Steinmetz’s path to Towson began long before his name reached the university’s search committee. He grew up playing piano before joining school band programs and later realized in college that music was the direction he wanted to pursue. After shifting from piano performance to percussion and music education, he found himself drawn to teaching.
“I realized I wasn’t done growing as a musician,” Steinmetz said.
He eventually earned a master’s degree in percussion performance from the University of Minnesota and a doctorate in conducting from Michigan State University. He taught at the University of Colorado for six years before applying to Towson after a colleague encouraged him.
The hiring process was extensive and included multiple interviews, conducting demonstrations and a two-day on-campus evaluation of his teaching and leadership. Steinmetz said connecting with students during the interview confirmed the program’s potential.
Students describe him as a conductor who values the process as much as the performance.
“Dr. Steinmetz will stop rehearsal to celebrate the wins no matter how small,” said Mackenzie Vitolo, a music major at Towson University. “It encourages me as a player to keep doing what I’m doing.”
Cicconi, now director of bands at James Madison University, said he was immediately excited when he learned Steinmetz had been hired.
“He’s a brilliant musician and his genuine humanity is only outweighed by that,” Cicconi said.
He added that Steinmetz’s philosophies and student-centered approach mirror the values that shaped the program during his tenure.
Both directors have stayed in close contact with Steinmetz reaching out for institutional history, repertoire questions and logistical details as he settled into the role.
Students say Steinmetz distinguishes himself through clarity and collaboration. Vitolo called him “one of the most selfless conductors I’ve ever worked with.”
She said he avoids showmanship and instead focuses on “what we need as musicians.”
Rather than delivering blunt instructions, Vitolo said, he frames his comments in ways that build trust among ensemble members.
“He’s not the kind of director who says, ‘Hey trumpets be quieter,’” Vitolo said. “Instead, he’ll say, ‘Let’s support the oboe line here — it’s sounding gorgeous but needs our help.’”
Vitolo continued to add that the psychology behind his teaching creates an environment where musicians feel engaged rather than corrected.
Though Steinmetz has not made sweeping changes, students say they can already feel his influence. His first semester included new collaborative works with faculty and pieces that use spatial techniques and unconventional staging.
“There’s a level of mutual trust and understanding that encourages me to do my best,” Vitolo said.
She added that Steinmetz’s presence on campus outside of rehearsal has helped him form meaningful connections with students in his first semester.
Cicconi said he is most excited to see Steinmetz elevate the program through ambitious repertoire choices, including the ensemble’s upcoming performance of selections from Carmina Burana, a work many undergraduate groups avoid because of its difficulty.
“He’s swinging for the fences in a way that will help students succeed,” Cicconi said.
Steinmetz agreed that pushing the ensemble artistically, not “fixing” problems, is what drives improvement. He hopes to continue expanding participation in the concert bands and pursue opportunities for Towson to perform at regional or national conferences.
For many students, Steinmetz’s impact is already tangible. Vitolo, who said Steinmetz’s positivity has inspired her to pursue her own path in music education, recalled one moment early in the semester when she asked him how he was doing before rehearsal.
“He said, ‘I’m great for the next hour and fifteen minutes,’ because every problem leaves his mind when he has rehearsal,” Vitolo said. “It’s the best part of my day too.”