Dr. William LaRue Jones
Conductor and Music Director

Dr. William LaRue Jones is one of the most active and versatile symphonic conductors in America today, conducting over 100 concerts annually. Dr. Jones, a Texas native, holds degrees from the University of Wisconsin, University of Iowa and Kansas State University, with additional studies at The Juilliard School of Music and the University of North Texas. He has worked extensively with a wide variety of ensembles including professional, festival, collegiate, and student ensembles throughout North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia. His work experiences range from the Minnesota Orchestra and the Minneapolis Pops, to the Penang (Malaysia) Symphony, the Antofagasta (Chile) Symphony and the "Symphony Orchestra of Lucerne (Switzerland).

In 1972, Dr. Jones founded the Greater Twin Cities' Youth Symphonies (MN), which he guided to international acclaim during a 25-year tenure. The program became a model for youth symphony structures worldwide, comprised of eight full orchestras involving over 1000 students annually.

For his untiring work on behalf of music and arts education, he has been honored with the David W. Preuss Leadership award, the American String Teachers Associations Exceptional Leadership and Merit Award, the Sigma Alpha Iota Musician of the Year Award, WCCO Radio "Good Neighbor Award" and the State of Minnesota Governors' Proclamation of "Dr. William LaRue Jones Day". He is also listed in International Who's Who in Music.

In 1997, Jones became Professor of Music and Director of Orchestral Studies at The University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa. He holds the titles of Founder and Conductor Laureate of Greater Twin Cities' Youth Symphonies, and Conductor Emeritus of the 3M Symphony. Dr. Jones is also currently a member of the conducting faculty of the International Workshops where he serves as conductor of the International String Orchestra, and is founding Artistic Director of the critically acclaimed Conductors Workshop of America.

In January of 2003, Dr. Jones was named Artistic Director of the Oshkosh Symphony Orchestra, Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Subsequently named Conductor/Music Director of the Oshkosh Symphony, Dr. Jones took the OSO podium on Oct. 11, 2003 in his debut concert with the internationally acclaimed Ahn Trio. The 2007-2008 season will mark his fifth with the OSO.
 

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