MUSICAL DIRECTORS
Musical Director: Mr. Matthew Cool
Matthew S. Cool received his Bachelor of Music degree in Education in 1987 from Ohio University and his Master of Music degree in Conducting Performance in 1992 from Louisiana State University. While at LSU Mr. Cool assisted with conducting classes, instructed the 280-member “Golden Band from Tigerland”, and conducted both the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band. He has studied wind conducting with Frank Wickes, Ronald Socciarelli, Jack Delaney, Neil Zaslow, Rodney Winther, and Donald Schleicher.
Mr. Cool is currently Director of Bands at Williamsville South High School, a position he has held since 1992, and directs the Wind Symphony, Jazz Ensemble, and Marching Bands. Mr. Cool is also an adjunct professor of music at Canisius College and founded the Canisius College Concert Band.
In addition to conducting The American Legion Band of The Tonawandas, Mr. Cool has served as conductor for the Erie County Music Educators Wind Ensemble and is active as a guest conductor/clinician. Mr. Cool has received the Williamsville Central Schools "PTSA Service to Youth" 2002 Award for excellence in teaching, the BPO/ECCMC Award for Excellence in Music Education, and the 2005/2006 Richard Snook "Band Director of the Year" Award for New York State. His professional affiliations include Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Phi Beta Mu, the New York State School Music Association, Erie County Music Educators Association, the Music Educators National Conference, the National Band Directors Association Eastern Division Chair, and is a past President of the New York State Band Directors Association.
Assistant Music Director: Mr. Devin Vogel
Devin Vogel is a native of Grand Island, NY and is presently Director of Bands at York Central School District, where he conducts the Middle School and High School Concert Bands, Marching Band, Pit Orchestra, and Jazz Ensemble.
Mr. Vogel has previously served as Director of Music with the Salvation Army for 4 years where he grew the band and choral program from 10 students to over 85 students, as well as received first place and superior ratings from Regional and Statewide Festivals. He has also served as Conductor of the Cassadaga Valley Concert band for two years.
Mr. Vogel received his degrees from SUNY Fredonia where he studied with Dr. Paula Holcomb. He has studied conducting with Dr. Russell Mikellson, Eugene Corporon, Dr, Andrew Trachsel, Dr. Dennis Fischer, Dr. Adam Leubke, and Anthony Maiello. Mr. Vogel has appeared as a guest conductor at honor band festivals and summer camps in Tennessee, Arkansas, and Ohio. He also maintains an active performing career where he has played in the American Legion Band of the Tonawandas since 2015, the Buffalo Silver Band, Erie County Wind Ensemble, and has performed as guest soloist with the Genesee Valley Wind Ensemble and the Cortland Community Band.