Dr. Jeremy Wiggins

Assistant Professor of Music

Dr. Jeremy Wiggins is Assistant Professor of Music, Coordinator of Choral Activities and Graduate Studies, at Western Connecticut State University where he conducts the University Choir and Concert Chorale. Wiggins teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in conducting, choral literature, and music education. Wiggins maintains an active schedule as a conductor, clinician, and presenter throughout the United States with recent engagements at state and regional ACDA and MEA conferences. His scholarly interests include conducting pedagogy, choral literature, strategies for musicianship training, and culturally responsive teaching practices. Beginning in 2019, Wiggins began serving as the R&R Co-Chair for University and College Choir for the Connecticut Chapter of ACDA. Most recently, Wiggins was named the new Artistic Director of the renowned Charis Chamber Voices based in Westchester County, New York.

Wiggins recently conducted the U.S. premiere of Pēteris Vasks’ Da Pacem Domine as part of the Canterbury Concert Series in Tallahassee, Florida and served as the Chorus Master for Florida State Opera where he prepared the ensemble for performances of Verdi’s La traviata collegiate premiere of Carlisle Floyd’s The Prince of Players. Wiggins has also conducted performances of Strauss’ Die Fledermaus in conjunction with CSU Fullerton Opera.

​Wiggins has studied conducting with André Thomas, Kevin Fenton, Richard Clary, Robert Istad, and Kimo Furumoto at the university level and has received professional training from Duain Wolf, John Alexander, Jerry Blackstone, David Hayes, Lucinda Carver, Paul Rardin, Pearl Shangkuan, and William Dehning. In addition, Wiggins has performed under the batons of Esa-Pekka Solonen, James Conlon, Carl St. Clair, Keith Lockhart, John Mauceri, Steven Mercurio, John Alexander, and John Williams.

​​Wiggins taught secondary choral music in Southern California for nine years. His choirs at San Clemente High School and West Covina High School toured nationally and received top ratings and scores at regional, state, and national choral festivals. Under his direction, both programs doubled in size and increased their presence in the community by partnering with local choral ensembles and performances for charitable organizations. Wiggins also served as a faculty member for the Opera Program at the Southern Orange County High School for the Arts.

​Wiggins recently completed his doctoral studies in Choral Conducting and Music Education at Florida State University, and holds an M.M. in Choral Conducting and B.A. in Choral Music Education from California State University, Fullerton. Wiggins performance editions of compositions by Joachim Raff are published by Hinshaw Music.

 

Email: wigginsj@wcsu.educreate new email