Dr. James T. Spencer is the Music Director of the SU Brass Ensemble and the Laura J. and L. Douglas Meredith Professor at Syracuse University. He began his musical journey at the Crane School of Music in SUNY Potsdam. In addition to his musical achievements, Dr. Spencer holds a Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry from Iowa State University. Following a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Virginia, he joined the faculty of Syracuse University’s College of Arts and Sciences. His leadership roles include serving as Associate Dean in the College and as the inaugural Executive Director of Syracuse University’s Forensic and National Security Sciences Institute. With a prolific career, Dr. Spencer boasts over 90 scientific publications and 60 musical compositions. He performs with various ensembles, notably the Excelsior Cornet Band, New York’s premier Civil War-era brass band. Since 1976, he’s also held the position of Music Director at the Bethlehem Summer Music Festival.