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His book, Conducting Technique (University Copy, 2000) is a unique, original work based on over three decades of conducting experience and the teaching of conducting technique. It has been used as the primary text in the instrumental conducting course at the Mason Gross School of the Arts.
Dr. Whitener is a graduate of the Juilliard School, the University of Michigan, and Rutgers University. Professor Whitener was a student of William Vacchiano, former first trumpet of the New York Philharmonic, and Clifford Lillya at the University of Michigan. At Juilliard, he served as principal trumpet of the Juilliard Orchestra under the great French conductor Jean Morel. He also served as first trumpet of the University of Michigan Symphony Band under Dr. William D. Revelli. Professor Whitener began his professional career as Assistant Principal Trumpet of the New Orleans Symphony Orchestra and brass quintet. As a free-lance trumpeter in New York City, he was invited to perform at the American debut of the world-renowned Symphony Orchestra of the Bavarian Radio of Munich under Raphael Kubelik at Carnegie Hall. In 1976, Professor Whitener was a participant in the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble course in Horncastle, England. This experience led him to found the Rutgers University Brass Ensemble. He was a member of the University Brass Quintet from 1974 to 1983 and performed with this ensemble at Carnegie Recital Hall. He is co-founder of Majestic Brass and continues to perform with this group.
Professor Whitener's many conducting students hold significant posts in schools and colleges. Several of his former students have attained special distinction. Paavo Järvi is principal conductor of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. He was formerly principal guest conductor of the Stockholm Philharmonic and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. He enjoys a distinguished international career and regularly conducts major orchestras here and abroad. Gail Lee, conductor of the New Brunswick Chamber Orchestra, served as associate conductor of the Taiwan Symphony Orchestra. She has recently conducted the Seattle Symphony in an American Symphony Orchestra League symposium and was a featured guest conductor with the Filharmonie Hradec Králove in the Czech Republic. Previously, she won the conducting prize of the Varna State Philharmonic in Bulgaria and was invited to conduct the opening concert of their season. Robert Grechesky, Professor of Music at Butler University, is a well-known international figure in the symphonic band and wind ensemble field.
During the period 1966 to 1993, Dr. Whitener served as director of bands at Rutgers University. Under his direction, the Rutgers Wind Ensemble performed twice at Town Hall in New York City and was praised by the New York Times. With this group and the Rutgers Brass Ensemble he has presented many premieres of new works. Under his direction the Marching Band performed on national television at professional football games of the New York Giants, New York Jets, Baltimore Colts, the College Football Centennial Game, East-West Shrine Game in San Francisco, the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, and the Ed Sullivan Show. Ed Sullivan described the band's performance as "tremendous."
Professor Whitener is conductor of the Rutgers University Brass Ensemble, teaches brass techniques, trumpet, and chamber music. He has served as Convener of the Performance Faculty, on the Department Executive Committee, chaired many search committees, and was chairman of the Rutgers College Music Department.
His hobbies are sports cars, bicycles, and his 24-foot speedboat, Mystick Flyer.
[e-mail:
swhiten@rci.rutgers.edu]
[Rehearsal 011]
[732-932-8886]
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