THE BATTLEFORDS — Dr. Jason Caslor, son Karl and Irene Caslor from Battleford, was recently awarded a prestigious international band award from the Canadian Band Association.
Presented by Darrin Oehlerking, director of the USask Wind Orchestra, associate dean of student affairs for the College of Arts and Science and past president of the Canadian Band Association, the international band award honours people who have, “ ... contributed to the promotion, growth and development of the musical, educational and cultural values of Canadian band outside of Canada,” According to an article from the University of Arizona.
Caslor’s teaching career began in Outlook, where he taught band and choir at Outlook High School. His mentors include Gene Aulinger, Marvin Eckroth, Dale Lonis and Gary Hill.
Caslor holds degrees from ASU, the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Manitoba in Canada. He is in demand as a guest conductor and adjudicator across North America and has conducted honour bands across Canada and the United States, according to the article.
“He has commissioned numerous new works for wind bands and has given presentations and master classes in the United States, Canada and Europe. In 2019, he was co-chair of the 2019 College Band Directors National Association National Convention, which was held at ASU.”
Caslor is now an associate professor and director of bands in Arizona State University’s School of Music, Dance and Theatre. Caslor says he relishes every opportunity to introduce Canadian wind band music to new ensembles and audiences.
He has been described as a, “champion of Canadian band compositions and values,” hence, “I consider myself very fortunate to both teach at ASU and still have numerous opportunities each year to return to Canada to collaborate with many of its amazing music educators and musicians,” Caslor said.
“I truly love ASU and all the opportunities it has afforded me and my family. I am also a fiercely proud Canadian. Without a doubt, it was the guidance and mentorship that I received growing up in Canada that built the foundation for the successes I have had here at ASU.”
