Director

Dr. Joseph Parisi is the Director and co-founder of the Roeland Park New Horizons Band. Dr. Parisi's title includes: Curators’ Distinguished Professor at the UMKC Conservatory for Instrument Music Education, Associate Director of Bands, and Director of the Interdisciplinary PhD Program. He has amassed an impressive career as a conductor, performing artist, pedagogue, and scholar. He has appeared throughout the world conducting music festivals, adjudicating ensembles, performing, and presenting clinics, research, lectures and workshops. Recognized as one of America’s outstanding brass conductors, Dr. Parisi is the principal conductor of Summit Brass at the Rafael Méndez Brass Institute and Fountain City Brass Band. 

Dr. Parisi completed a bachelor’s degree in music education at the State University of New York at Potsdam (Crane School of Music); and a master’s degree in trumpet performance and a PhD in instrumental conducting/music education from Florida State University. He has won numerous awards including the Kauffman Outstanding Service Award, the Kauffman Excellence in Teaching Award, and the Kauffman Award for Outstanding Research and Creative Activity.