Brian Balmages

Brian Balmages is an American producer, conductor, performer and composer of music.

His music for band and orchestra has been performed in countries throughout the world. His active schedule of commissions and premieres has incorporated groups ranging from elementary schools to professional ensembles including the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, the Miami Symphony Orchestra, the University of Miami Wind Ensemble, Boston Brass, Off Bass Brass, and the Dominion Brass Ensemble. His music has been performed by members of leading orchestras including the New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, St. Louis Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, Detroit Symphony, Chicago Symphony, San Francisco Symphony, National Symphony, and others. World premieres have included prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. His music was also performed as part of the Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service in 2013, which was attended by both President Obama and Vice President Biden.

Balmages received his bachelor's degree in music from James Madison University (Virginia) and his master's degree from the University of Miami (Florida). He is a recipient of the prestigious A. Austin Harding Award from the American School Band Directors Association and was also featured in James Madison University's "Be the Change" campaign.

As a conductor, Balmages has enjoyed engagements with numerous all-state and regional bands and orchestras as well as university and professional groups. Notable guest conducting appearances have included the Midwest Clinic, Western International Band Clinic, College Band Directors Eastern Regional Conference, American School Band Directors Association National Conference and others. Additional conducting appearances have included the Kennedy Center and Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. He has also served as an adjunct professor of instrumental conducting and Acting Symphonic Band Director at Towson University in Maryland.

Balmages has received numerous commissions from concert bands at a variety of levels. He has also been named the prestigious 2016 "Distinguished Alumni Award" by the James Madison University's School of Visual and Performing Arts.

Currently, he is Director of Instrumental Publications for The FJH Music Company Inc. in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. His residence is in Lutherville-Timonium, Maryland just minutes from his alma mater Dulaney High School. He lives there with his wife, Lisa and their two sons.