Conductors
Arthur Himmelberger
Music Director and Principal Conductor (2019 - Present)
Art Himmelberger has retired from the music program at Marist College this year after being associated with it since January 1986. Before joining the Marist faculty, he served for 23 years as an U.S. Army musician in Washington, D.C. and West Point, N.Y. At West Point he was a senior non-commissioned officer (Sergeant Major) of the West Point Band, percussionist, major musical events producer, Army football half-time show designer and member of the United States Military Academy's Bicentennial Task Force. Additionally, he designed half-time entertainment for several nationally televised NFL championship football games. He performed extensively throughout all 48 contiguous United States, Europe, and Japan. He maintained his full-time role at West Point until 2002.
A graduate of the University of Michigan School of Music, he received his M.Ed. degree and administrator's certificate from Temple University. He also completed the U.S. Army's Bandmaster and Administrator courses. He is a member of Kappa Kappa Psi, Tau Beta Sigma, MENC, NYSSMA, PMEA, ACB, CBDNA and the Windjammers. Art is the Immediate Past President of the Association of Concert Bands.
In 2002, he was appointed Director of the Music Department at Marist College. He was a Distinguished Lecturer of Music, the Director of Instrumental Music, and the Director of Bands. Art established the instrumental music program and assisted in the overall development and improvement of the entire music curriculum. He oversaw all orchestral, choral, and academic offerings of the department. After 23 years at Marist College, he retired and is learning to enjoy retirement.
A graduate of the University of Michigan School of Music, he received his M.Ed. degree and administrator's certificate from Temple University. He also completed the U.S. Army's Bandmaster and Administrator courses. He is a member of Kappa Kappa Psi, Tau Beta Sigma, MENC, NYSSMA, PMEA, ACB, CBDNA and the Windjammers. Art is the Immediate Past President of the Association of Concert Bands.
In 2002, he was appointed Director of the Music Department at Marist College. He was a Distinguished Lecturer of Music, the Director of Instrumental Music, and the Director of Bands. Art established the instrumental music program and assisted in the overall development and improvement of the entire music curriculum. He oversaw all orchestral, choral, and academic offerings of the department. After 23 years at Marist College, he retired and is learning to enjoy retirement.
Jared Slingerland
Assistant Conductor (2021 - Present)
Jared Slingerland is a music educator in the Berne-Knox-Westerlo (BKW) Central School District. Jared currently teaches the elementary bands, providing students with a solid foundation in their instrumental music studies. In addition, he directs the secondary school's jazz band and marching band. Outside of BKW, Jared serves as a NYSSMA brass adjudicator and is the president of the Schoharie County Music Educators' Association, overseeing the organization's all county festivals and senior scholarships.
A native of Rochester, NY, Jared attended Capital University in Columbus, OH where he earned his bachelors of music in music education and performance. He then returned to Rochester to earn a masters of music in music education from Roberts Wesleyan College. Jared studied conducting under Barry Kopetz and Tony Zilincik. Notable trombone teachers include Tom Zugger and Clarence Hines.
Jared resides in Albany with his fiancé Tara. In his free time, Jared enjoys training their dog Gryffindor and teaching others about the sport of dog agility.
A native of Rochester, NY, Jared attended Capital University in Columbus, OH where he earned his bachelors of music in music education and performance. He then returned to Rochester to earn a masters of music in music education from Roberts Wesleyan College. Jared studied conducting under Barry Kopetz and Tony Zilincik. Notable trombone teachers include Tom Zugger and Clarence Hines.
Jared resides in Albany with his fiancé Tara. In his free time, Jared enjoys training their dog Gryffindor and teaching others about the sport of dog agility.
James Haertel
Guest Conductor
Guest Conductor
James Haertel has been the Director of Bands at Colonie Central High School since 2017 and is so excited to be working with the Memorial Concert Band of Colonie for the second time. Starting his music teaching in Chatham Central Schools in 2013, James has worked with concert bands of varying levels, jazz ensembles, marching bands, pep bands, percussion ensembles, chamber ensembles, and has taught woodwind, percussion, and brass lessons. James has also music directed and co-directed many musical theatre productions, some of his favorites being Legally Blonde and Into the Woods. Other educational highlights include teaching music and health in Jamaica and studying abroad in Germany.
Born in Latham, NY, he graduated summa cum laude from The Crane School of Music and The Hartt School of Music, earning degrees in music education and flute performance. In 2022, James completed a certificate of advanced graduate study in School Building Leadership through MCLA. Other professional achievements include being on the executive board of The Empire State Youth Orchestra, and serving on South Colonie's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee as well as their ASPIRE program.
James has studied conducting under Brian Doyle and Ching Lai. Notable flute teachers include Linda LeBlanc, Yvonne Hansborough, Jan Vinci, and Kenneth Andrews. James has performed professionally with The Orchestra of Northern New York, The Schenectady Symphony, Park PlayHouse, Schenectady Light Opera Company, and many other local pit orchestras and chamber ensembles.
James lives in Albany, NY, with his partner Adrian and their two cats Godiva and Pepper.
Born in Latham, NY, he graduated summa cum laude from The Crane School of Music and The Hartt School of Music, earning degrees in music education and flute performance. In 2022, James completed a certificate of advanced graduate study in School Building Leadership through MCLA. Other professional achievements include being on the executive board of The Empire State Youth Orchestra, and serving on South Colonie's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee as well as their ASPIRE program.
James has studied conducting under Brian Doyle and Ching Lai. Notable flute teachers include Linda LeBlanc, Yvonne Hansborough, Jan Vinci, and Kenneth Andrews. James has performed professionally with The Orchestra of Northern New York, The Schenectady Symphony, Park PlayHouse, Schenectady Light Opera Company, and many other local pit orchestras and chamber ensembles.
James lives in Albany, NY, with his partner Adrian and their two cats Godiva and Pepper.
Doug Dougherty
Conductor Emeritus (2011 - 2019)
Douglas A. Dougherty received his AAS degree in Music from Onondaga Community College and B.M. Music Education with Performance Honors (magna cum laude) from Syracuse University. He also attended Louisiana State University and did graduate work at Elmira College, Ithaca College and the University of Hartford. Doug retired after 33 years in public school education conducting bands at all levels in the Broadalbin-Perth Central School District, as well as conducting the Jazz Band and an award winning Parade Marching Band. Additionally, he conducts and serves as president of the Johnstown Citizens Band. As a trumpet player, his performance credentials include the Mohawk Valley Symphony, The Schoharie Valley Concert Band, The FMCC Concert Band, Gloversville Civic Band, SUNY Albany Graduation Band, Pit orchestra of the Scotia-Glenville Central School Drama productions and Principal Trumpet and soloist with the Memorial Band since 2004. He has also performed at numerous church functions and weddings in the area. Doug is a member of “Bugles Across America”, a volunteer organization which provides a live rendition of ”Taps” for funerals of deceased veterans. Doug volunteers at the James A. Brennan Humane Society in Gloversville, NY.
Henry Carr
Founding Conductor (1999 - 2011)
Henry M. Carr (1923 - 2016) received his B.S. and M.S. in Music Education from Ithaca College. He had studied trumpet with Ned Mahoney of the Goldman Band, Craig McHenry and Walter Beeler of Ithaca College and Willard Musser of the Crane School of Music, State University of New York at Potsdam. He served 3 years in the U.S. Air Force during World War II, flying combat missions on a B-25 in the South Pacific.
For 33 years, Hank Carr was the High School Band Director at South Colonie Central High School. He was also the district Music Supervisor during that time. For 19 years he was music director and conductor of the University at Albany Community Symphonic Band. He has was co-director of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Symphonic Band and the College of St. Rose Wind Ensemble. Hank had also been guest conductor of the American Winds Concert Band, Northeast All-Star Concert Band, Windjammers Ltd. Circus Concert Band, The Naples (Fla.) Concert Band, The National Concert Band in Washington, D.C., The Alexandria (VA.) Citizen's band and numerous NYSSMA All-County and area All-State Bands.
Hank played trumpet in the Albany Symphony Orchestra for 37 years. He also played with the Schenectady and Berkshire Symphony Orchestras. Hank also played with area stage-show pit orchestras, jazz ensembles and dance bands.
The Memorial Concert Band of Colonie is honored that Hank shared his expertise, experience, and enthusiasm for music since the Band's inception until his retirement following the 2010-11 season.
For 33 years, Hank Carr was the High School Band Director at South Colonie Central High School. He was also the district Music Supervisor during that time. For 19 years he was music director and conductor of the University at Albany Community Symphonic Band. He has was co-director of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Symphonic Band and the College of St. Rose Wind Ensemble. Hank had also been guest conductor of the American Winds Concert Band, Northeast All-Star Concert Band, Windjammers Ltd. Circus Concert Band, The Naples (Fla.) Concert Band, The National Concert Band in Washington, D.C., The Alexandria (VA.) Citizen's band and numerous NYSSMA All-County and area All-State Bands.
Hank played trumpet in the Albany Symphony Orchestra for 37 years. He also played with the Schenectady and Berkshire Symphony Orchestras. Hank also played with area stage-show pit orchestras, jazz ensembles and dance bands.
The Memorial Concert Band of Colonie is honored that Hank shared his expertise, experience, and enthusiasm for music since the Band's inception until his retirement following the 2010-11 season.
