The Acadia Wind Ensemble is a band consisting of music educators from all across Maine. The group meets once a year to perform advanced repertoire for the band medium. The Acadia Wind Ensemble was created by Manager, Jennifer Fortin and Director, Andrew Forster. This year, we are pleased and excited to bring back Maestro Anthony Maiello from George Mason University as our conductor for his eleventh year with the Acadia Wind Ensemble. This year’s concert will be on August 4, 2023 at Lawrence High School, 9 School Street, Fairfield, ME at 7:00 p.m. Admission is free.
About Us
Andrew J. Forster, Director
Mr. Forster has been a music educator in the Messalonskee School District (Maine) since 1990. He received his B.M. in Music Education from the University of New Hampshire and his M.M. in Instrumental Conducting from the University of Massachusetts. Mr. Forster teaches band, jazz band, chamber ensembles, and music production. He is the music director of the Mid Maine Youth Orchestra (MMYO), the co-founder of the Acadia Wind Ensemble, and principal trumpet in the Downeast Brass Quintet. He was named the 2012 Maine Music Educators Association Music Teacher of the Year and the 2016 Teacher of the Year for Kennebec County. He currently serves as the President of the Maine Music Educators Association.
Anthony Maiello, Conductor
This year, we are pleased to announce the return of guest conductor, Anthony Maiello from George Mason University in Virginia for his eighth year directing Acadia. Maestro Maiello’s credits include conducting the American Wind Symphony, Honorary Conductor of the United States Navy Band, and conducting the National Symphony Orchestra. In 1980, he conducted musical activities for the Gold Medal Ceremonies at the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York. He has served as Musical Director for Music Festivals International and was selected as President of the International Association of Jazz Educators. In March of 2010, he was inducted into the Bands of America Hall of Fame. Maestro Maiello is no stranger to Maine. He has guest conducted ensembles and given conducting clinics at the University of Maine on several occasions. He has also conducted several All State student ensembles for the Maine Music Educator’s Association.
Jen Fortin, Manager
Jen Fortin holds degrees in both music education and music performance from UMass Amherst. She began her teaching career at Edward Little High School, and now teaches music at Skowhegan Area High School. Jen has played saxophone with numerous jazz ensembles and bands around the state of Maine.
