Mark E. Olson

Mark Olson is the newly appointed Assistant Director of Bands at Harvard University. Olson brings to Harvard University a wealth of experience as a music educator at the high school and college level. While at Harvard he conducts the Sunday Jazz Ensemble, co-conducts the Wind Ensemble, works with the Harvard University Band, and assists with the administration of the band program.

Before his appointment at Harvard, Mr. Olson was Visiting Professor and Interim Director of Bands at Graceland University, directing the Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble and teaching courses in music education and Jazz History. As a graduate assistant at the University of Minnesota, Olson was involved with all aspects of the wind/band program. He was co-director of the University Band, guest conducted the University Wind Ensemble, directed the athletic bands and assisted with the marching band. He has taught in high schools in Minnesota for nine years prior his graduate studies. Olson has also been a guest conductor and clinician for bands in Minnesota, North Dakota and Iowa.

Olson received his B.M. degree from Concordia College in Moorhead, Mn. He earned an M.A. degree in Music Education and is currently completing a Ph.D. in Music from the University of Minnesota. His conducting teachers have included Craig Kirchhoff, and J. Robert Hanson.

In addition to teaching and conducting, Olson has been an active trumpet performer. He has been a member of various brass ensembles, the Mankato Symphony Orchestra, Austin Symphony Orchestra, and Winona Brass Band. He has studied trumpet with David Baldwin, Gary Bordner, and J. Robert Hanson.