Joseph Higgins, founding director

Joseph Higgins is a conductor and educator who inspires curiosity, creativity, and connection through music. Since 2015, Dr. Higgins has served as Director of Bands at Rowan University where he conducts the Wind Ensemble and teaches courses in conducting and band literature. During his tenure, the program has grown to include multiple directors, three concert ensembles, and the new “Pride of the Profs” Marching Band; ensembles under his direction have premiered over forty new works and collaborated with many world-class artists. For his exceptional leadership in the classroom, Dr. Higgins was awarded the Frances S. Johnson Innovative Teaching Award. He also received the Rowan University Values Award for Inclusivity.

In addition to his work at Rowan University, Dr. Higgins serves as the new Music Director of the Philadelphia Wind Symphony. He is a frequent guest conductor-clinician with outstanding professional, community, and student ensembles throughout the country, and he teaches at conducting workshops and masterclasses for young musicians and educators each year. His current season includes performances in Georgia, Iowa, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

Higgins is a passionate advocate of socially-conscious programming that encourages greater connection among performers, audiences, and their environments. He served as co-chair of the Rowan University Catalysts for Sustainability initiative and is actively engaged with sustainability research, climate activism, and environmental education.