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Frank Battisti’s passion for teaching and for great music are legendary in the wind band and music education worlds.

An active teacher for six decades, Battisti was Director of Bands at Ithaca (New York) High School from 1955-1967, which achieved national recognition as one of the finest and most unique high school bands in the nation.

While at Ithaca, he commissioned works by the top composers of the day, including Karel Husa, Vincent Persichetti, and Gunther Schuller—while attracting guest soloists and conductors such as Benny Goodman, Carl “Doc” Severinsen, and Frederick Fennell.

Battisti continued bringing the same passion and excitement to his work with the New England Conservatory Wind Ensemble, which he founded and conducted for 30 years.

In this DVD, a remarkable and inspiring conversation between Battisti and Tim Lautzenheiser, Battisti shares the principles and passion that have guided him over the decades—truths that are as relevant today as they have been for Battisti over his remarkable career.

Filmed at The Midwest Clinic.

53 minutes