Joseph Parisi is a Curators' Distinguished Professor at the UMKC Conservatory, where he serves as the conductor of the Conservatory Wind Ensemble and is a highly respected member of the conducting and music education faculty. Internationally recognized for his diverse roles as a conductor, clinician, performing artist, educator, and scholar, Parisi's contributions resonate across the global music community. His commitment to advancing music through artistry, education, and innovation has made a profound impact on his students and the broader field.

 

Parisi’s leadership in the world of brass music has been particularly notable. As principal conductor of Summit Brass at the Rafael Méndez Brass Institute and the Fountain City Brass Band, he has solidified his reputation as a leading conductor both in the United States and internationally. His work with Fountain City has led to the production and release of numerous critically acclaimed albums, showcasing the ensemble’s precision and musicality. Additionally, Parisi is currently spearheading a project to release an album of newer music for brass, recorded by Summit Brass—further demonstrating his dedication to fostering innovation in brass ensemble music.

 

Beyond the classical and brass music realms, Parisi is equally active as a jazz performer. He has performed on over a dozen albums and collaborated with some of the world's most renowned jazz artists. His versatility as a musician enhances his teaching and leadership at UMKC, where he draws on a broad array of experiences across genres.

 

Parisi’s collaborative spirit shines through in his work with composers, artists, and ensembles, leading to the creation of groundbreaking compositions for wind bands, chamber ensembles, brass bands, and soloists. His expansive recording portfolio, as both a performer and conductor, reflects a lifetime of dedication to musical excellence. These recordings not only capture the depth of his expertise but also highlight his ongoing commitment to elevating the brass and wind ensemble art forms.

 

Dr. Parisi holds a bachelor's degree in music education from the esteemed Crane School of Music at the State University of New York at Potsdam, and earned both a master’s degree in trumpet performance and a Ph.D. in instrumental conducting and music education from Florida State University. His academic background, paired with decades of professional experience, informs his teaching and leadership at UMKC, where he has received multiple awards for teaching excellence, research, and service, including the Kauffman Excellence in Teaching Award and the Kauffman Award for Outstanding Research.

 

Throughout his distinguished career, Parisi has remained committed to nurturing the next generation of musicians and music educators. His work as a conductor, performer, and educator is marked by a deep sense of responsibility to his students, a belief in the transformative power of music, and a drive to contribute to the ongoing evolution of music performance and education. His legacy continues to inspire and enrich the musical community, both at home and abroad.