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Instructors

Dr. Ben Lorenzo - Director, �Ը������� Youth Winds  
Benjamin Lorenzo is an associate professor of music and the Director of Bands at �Ը������� 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 �Ը������� 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.

Darren Moskowitz - Percussion Coordinator

A lifelong resident of the Cleveland area, Darren Moskowitz grew up in Shaker Heights and is a proud graduate of Shaker Heights High School. Mr. Moskowitz holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education, Magna Cum Laude with Honors, from �Ը������� University Glauser School of Music in Kent, OH. His teaching career reflects a remarkable breadth of experience, ranging from local roles as a percussion instructor and marching band assistant to international service as a music teacher in Otwock, Poland. Additionally, as a percussion advisor for the �Ը������� Youth Winds and the �Ը������� All-Star Band, Mr. Moskowitz has consistently helped young musicians bridge the gap between technical fundamentals and expressive performance.
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As a performer, Mr. Moskowitz has earned significant acclaim, including third place at the 2022 PASIC International Chamber Percussion Competition and a soloist win at the 2023 �Ը������� University Student Concerto Competition. He is also a two-time concerto competition winner in both the undergraduate and graduate divisions, serving as the piano accompanist for winning performances. His versatility is further highlighted by his contributions to multiple Heartland Marimba album recordings and Dr. Andy Harnsberger’s live album. Beyond his recorded work, Mr. Moskowitz has collaborated with distinguished artists throughout his tenure at �Ը������� University. With a broad skill set that includes piano, conducting, and multi-instrumental pedagogy, he remains committed to cultivating well-rounded musicianship through disciplined practice and artistic integrity.

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�Ը������� youth Winds

• 330-672-2431
• ksyw@kent.edu

Music Office

• 330-672-2172

Location

�Ը������� University
Glauser School of Music
Center for the Performing Arts
1325 Theatre Drive
Kent, OH 44242