Steven Ward, KJSO Conductor

Dr. Steven Ward is presently associate Professor of Music at Hope College, where he conducts the Wind Symphony, teaches bassoon, coaches chamber music, and teaches courses in the areas of conducting, orchestration and music education. Dr. Ward holds a D.M.A. in Conducting from Michigan State University, East Lansing, a M.A. in Conducting from Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas, and a B.M. in Music Education from Abilene Christian University, Abilene, Texas.

Prior to his appointment at Hope College, Dr. Ward was the music director/conductor of the Grande Ronde Symphony Orchestra in La Grande, Oregon, and was Instructor of Music at Eastern Oregon University.

He has conducted extensively in many different areas including orchestra, band, musical theater, and contemporary music, and is a recipient of the ASCAP award for Adventurous Programming of Contemporary Music as Music Director of the Grande Ronde Symphony Orchestra.

He also serves as conductor at the Interlochen Center for the Arts during the summer months where he conducts middle school, high school and faculty ensembles.

As a bassoonist, Dr. Ward has performed with many professional orchestras including orchestras in Abilene and San Angelo, Texas; Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Midland, Michigan; Shreveport, Louisiana; and West Shore in Muskegon, Michigan. He is also active as a recitalist and chamber musician.

Dr. Ward is a member of the Conductor’s Guild, the College Band Directors National Association, the International Double Reed Society, the Music Educators National Conference, Michigan State Band and Orchestra Directors Association, and the American String Teachers Association.

Steven and his wife Kristin live in Holland, Michigan, with their son and daughter. Steven's wife Kristin is also an instructor of music at Hope College where she teaches classes in aural skills, clarinet and jazz voice.