Christopher Neske
Christopher Neske is currently the band director at East Islip High School in Islip Terrace, NY where he conducts the concert band and wind ensemble. Chris began his career teaching sixth grade band at East Islip Middle School and has also taught music theory and AP Music Theory. In addition to his teaching duties, he is also an advisor of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, conducts the pit orchestra, and directs the pep and parade bands. Chris also currently serves as Secondary Vice President of the East Islip Teachers’ Association and is a delegate to the New York State United Teachers and American Federation of Teachers. After serving as a chairperson, Assistant Vice President, and later Vice President for Festivals, Chris began his tenure as President of the Suffolk County Music Educators’ Association (SCMEA) in July 2018.
Chris regularly performs with the Atlantic Wind Symphony, the Nassau-Suffolk Alumni Band, and has also performed with the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra and Sound Symphony. In 2013 and 2018 he guest conducted the Nassau Music Educators’ Association (NMEA) Division I Band and has also guest conducted the Mid-Island Band Festival in Suffolk County. Chris also co-chairs the Suffolk County All-County Orchestra and serves as a rehearsal conductor for the ensemble each year. In addition, Chris served on the faculty of the Ithaca College Summer Music Academy for nine years as the double reed instructor, beginning conducting techniques teacher, and Wind Ensemble conductor.
Chris received a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Oboe Performance from Ithaca College in 2006 and a Master of Arts degree from Stony Brook University in 2009. His primary oboe teachers were Dr. Paige Morgan and Dr. Keri McCarthy, and he has performed in master classes with Nancy Ambrose King, Jacqueline LeClair and David Weiss. He studied conducting with Dr. Stephen Peterson, Dr. Elizabeth Peterson, and Timothy Reynish and has participated in conducting master classes with Richard Clary, Steve Davis, and Mallory Thompson.
