The following article originally appeared in the fall 2015 issue of Fanfare magazine.

The Midwest Clinic international band and orchestra conference may seem like an unusual location for a family reunion, but not when the “family” in question is a network of graduates of Mallory Thompson, professor and coordinator of conducting and ensembles and director of bands.

Thompson and 20 to 30 of her current and former students convene at the clinic every December to reconnect, reminisce, and meet new peers. Thompson also hosts an annual dinner at that time, with students gathering at her house for drinks and appetizers before heading to a restaurant for a meal.

The reunion springs in part from a “family tree” that Thompson has constructed. It includes information on the postdegree career paths of the more than 40 alumni of her graduate conducting program. The first of those students graduated in 1997, and new alumni are added every year. “As a teacher, it’s really rewarding and humbling to look at this and see the path each of my students have taken,” says Thompson.

Thompson says she works hard to create an environment where students are very supportive of one another rather than competitive. Because conducting can be a solitary profession, she wants to give her students the opportunity to connect with others in their profession. “I am trying to create something that I value and that would have meant a lot to me as a student,” she says. “I want my students to build powerful relationships that last a lifetime.”

Graduates of her program have expressed gratitude for the positive learning environment she has created as well as for the opportunity to network with peers. “Everyone in the family has an instant familiarity and comfort with each other just by virtue of having studied with Mallory Thompson,” says Deanna Tham (G12), conductor of the Boise Youth Orchestra. “If anything, the family has always been a safe space for the conductor’s mind. The people I keep in touch with are a resource for my soul and my psyche, particularly in a very lonely profession.”

Gerard Morris (G13), director of bands at the University of Puget Sound, agrees that the environment of Thompson’s conducting studio is conducive to success. “She held each member to the highest musical and logistical standard, and we took great pride in our collaborative work,” recalls Morris. “We celebrated our collective successes, and helped one another during stressful times. I’ve found tremendous support from the family through advice and mentorship as well as help in promoting my career as a conductor.”

Emily Threinen (G04), director of bands at Temple University, has attended the family reunion every year since her graduation. She says that connections she has made at the Bienen School have been some of the strongest and most beneficial in her career.

“The first group of conducting alumni that I had met were at the Northwestern University conducting symposiums—they were current students and I was an aspiring student,” says Threinen. “It was clear that these individuals would be lifelong friends and would provide innumerable resources to those who were involved in the graduate community.”

Threinen said she communicates regularly with students from the program, engaging in dialogues about repertoire, errata, programming, performance issues, and other challenges. “The friendships created have been some of the best relationships I have in the profession.”

Photos, from top: Mallory Thompson with past and present members of the Northwestern University wind conducting studio in front of the Chicago Water Tower. Gerard Morris with Mallory Thompson at his graduation. Says Morris of the annual alumni reunion, “I enjoy seeing so many talented, genuine, and successful individuals who share at least one thing in common: our teacher. She is simply the best.”