Instructors & Leadership

Instructors

Dr. Ben Lorenzo - Director, Kent State Youth Winds  
Benjamin Lorenzo is an associate professor of music and the Director of Bands at Kent State University's Glauser School of Music where he conducts the Wind Ensemble, teaches conducting, and provides leadership for university bands. Previously, he served as Associate Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands at the University of Arkansas where he led the Razorback Marching Band and Wind Symphony. Before this appointment, Lorenzo held positions at Oklahoma State and Texas Tech University. His teaching experience also includes high schools in Florida and Texas. 

Michael Foster - Faculty and Ensemble Administrator

Michael Foster is a veteran band director and music teacher for nearly 30 years.  He is now in his 20th year on the music staff at the Copley-Fairlawn City Schools where he teaches band grades 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th, as well as the Copley High School Wind Ensemble, and co-teach the Freshmen Concert, and the Copley Marching Band. In addition, he has taught music theory and A.P. music theory.  He has previously taught at Wadsworth City Schools and Waterloo Local Schools.

While attending Kent State University, Mr. Foster received a Bachelor of Music degree in composition and tuba performance, Master of Music degree in conducting and a Post-Baccalaureate degree in music education.

Mr. Foster is actively a member of MENC and OMEA, is an OMEA Marching Band Event Chair, and has participated in the OMEA Leadership Academy.  He has directed performing groups at the OMEA and OBDC conferences and the University of Akron Band Clinics.  In 2011, Mr. Foster was honored as the Copley-Fairlawn City Schools PTSA Teacher of the Year and was featured as WEWS Cleveland TV 5 “Teacher that Matters”.  Mike also has extensive background and knowledge in experimental music of the classical, jazz and rock genre.  He lives in Akron with his children Emma, Henry and Jack and is an avid cyclist.