Paul Pierce

Education

D.M.A. in Instrumental Conducting, Hartt School

M.M. in Music Performance/Cello, University of Cincinnati: College Conservatory of Music

B.M. in Music Performance/Cello, in Music Performance/Cello, University of Oklahoma

Dr. Paul Pierce serves as Orchestra Director of Windsor High School and John F. Kennedy Intermediate School. He began his study of music on cello in the Tulsa Public Schools, OK and went on to major in music at the University of Oklahoma (BM), Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music (MM) and the Hartt School (DMA). Prior to teaching in Windsor, Dr. Pierce served as Director of Orchestras at Farmington High School, CT, where he directed 5 orchestras, including the Vintage 21 Chamber Orchestra.

Dr. Pierce is excited to return to the Hartt School Community Division as he previously served as the director of the Hartt School Community Division Concert Orchestra, substitute director and sectional coach for the Hartt School Community Division Suzuki Orchestras, and substitute conductor for the Greater Hartford Youth Wind Ensemble (GHYWE). He frequently serves as Guest Conductor/Clinician for region orchestra festivals/workshops and is the chair of the CMEA northern region high school orchestra.

Dr. Pierce is known for innovative programming and the use of interactive technology to enhance learning. Programming includes Strolling Strings, Fiddling, Blues, Country, Musicals, Movies, Religious, Jazz, Pop & Rock and all genres of Classical. To enhance teaching and learning he often collaborates with students and colleagues to arrange popular charts such as the music of Disney, Led  Zeppelin, Michael Jackson, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Mario Brothers, & Mannheim Steamrollers that often include choreography, video and/or special lighting.

Dr. Pierce enjoys inspiring students to reach ambitious goals and to earn satisfaction in their solo, chamber and large ensemble music-making. His students have won solo competitions and have been accepted to NAfME All-National and All-Eastern Honors Ensembles, and in CT consistently represent a significant portion of the CMEA All-Region, and All-State festivals.  Members of his orchestras won the honor to perform at Carnegie Hall two-consecutive years receiving standing ovations.

As a cellist Dr. Pierce is a member of the Holyoke Civic Symphony and previously a member of the Oklahoma, Shreveport and Huntsville Symphonies. Dr. Pierce resides in West Springfield, MA with his wife Trudy and son Anthony.