ASU Musical Arts Doctoral Student Wins Conducting Job With Elite Summer Orchestra Program

Mark Alpizar, a student at the Arizona State University School of Music in the Doctor of Musical Arts program in orchestral conducting, recently earned the position of elite assistant conductor of the National Repertory Orchestra for the summer 2018.

Alpizar studies with Jeffery Meyer, associate professor and conductor of orchestras at the ASU School of Music, and Tito Muñoz, conductor and musical director of the Phoenix Symphony.

Mark Alpizar, conducting student.
Download Full Image

“I chose to apply to the National Repertoire Orchestra because of my respect for the musical director, Carl Topilow,” said Alpizar. “I had the privilege of working with Topilow when he visited ASU last year to conduct the ASU Symphony Orchestra and lead our conducting studio class. I was encouraged by several NRO alumni, including the ASU Symphony Orchestra’s concertmaster, Vladimir Gebe.

Alpizar said he was delighted to be able to watch Maestro Topilow and other esteemed guest artists conduct a large amount of standard repertoire and looked forward to meeting a whole orchestra full of pre-professional musicians who are also on the cusp of careers. musical.

“The National Repertory Orchestra is one of the most respected training grounds for young orchestral musicians in the United States,” Meyer said. “Competition for the position of Deputy Chief is quite fierce, and winning the position not only requires excellent leadership skills, but also an engaging, confident and mature personality on and off the podium. Mark exemplifies these qualities – not only is he a terrific conductor, but he has a warm demeanor and humble confidence that allow him to easily connect with musicians and audiences. I’m sure his summer at the NRO will prove to be a very important step in his career path.

Alpizar thanks Meyer for helping him advance in his career.

“I had the privilege of working with Jeffery Meyer during my last two years of study here at ASU,” said Alpizar. “Because of his guidance, my career took a huge leap forward and I was invited to conduct educational concerts for the Phoenix Symphony and conducted the ASU Symphony, Phoenix Youth Symphony and East Valley Youth Symphony. Professors Robert Spring, Joshua Gardner and Jason Caslor have also been hugely influential to me, framing my career as a conductor and performer.

Prior to attending ASU, Alpizar was the assistant conductor of the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra. He is currently Music Director of the Four Seasons Youth Orchestra in Orange County, California, and Conductor of the South Coast Youth Symphony Orchestra, with tours in England, Wales, Ireland, Spain, Greece, New York and Sydney, Australia.