Steven Capaldo

Steven Capaldo
Position
Associate Professor
Music Education, Wind Symphony, Conducting
Contact
Credentials

BEd Music (Melbourne), MMus (Sydney), AMusA, DMA (Nevada)

Area of expertise

Music Education, Wind Symphony (Conductor)

Areas of research & creative activity

Conducting (wind ensemble and orchestra) and wind literature (with a focus on new compositions and Australian music), secondary instrumental music education including technology in music education, curriculum analysis and development, alternative and general methods, and student engagement, composing and arranging for wind ensemble, orchestra, and children’s voices.

Courses

  • MUS 180B-580B UVic Wind Symphony, Conductor
  • MUS 256A Introduction to Instrumental and Choral Conducting I
  • MUS 256B Introduction to Instrumental and Choral Conducting II
  • MUS 339A Instrumental Techniques for Middle and Secondary Schools
  • MUS 431 Music Education Seminar II: Current Issues in Music Education
  • MUS 437 Music in the Secondary School Curriculum

Brief biography

Dr. Steven Capaldo has distinguished himself as one of the most respected music educators, wind conductors and conductor educators in Australia, earning academic and musical recognition internationally.

Dr. Capaldo is currently an Associate Professor of Music Education & Conducting and Wind Symphony Conductor at the University of Victoria, Canada. He has previously held positions in Music Education at the University of Wollongong (Australia) and the University of Victoria, and was the Conductor of the Sydney University Wind Orchestra and the UNSW Wind Symphony.

An active writer, Dr. Capaldo composes, arranges and transcribes music for wind orchestras, symphony orchestras, festivals and concerts and his works have been performed by groups in Australia, Canada, Japan and the United States, and recorded on Klavier records (US). He has been listed as a composer in the book The Band Down Under, a finalist in several international composition competitions and published with Brolga Music Australia.

An Assistant Producer for eight Klavier Records CD, Dr. Capaldo became a full voting member for the US Grammy Awards in 2010 and was Chair of the Australian Jury Panel for the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest. 

Dr. Capaldo is highly-active and in-demand as a conductor, clinician and adjudicator having worked at local, state/provincial, national and international levels including MusicFest and Chief Conductor of the British Columbia Honor Wind Ensemble. Committed to providing professional learning opportunities for music educators and conductors, Dr. Capaldo has been a conducting clinician at the 2017 Australian National Band and Orchestra Conference, the Chief Conducting Clinician for the 2017 Qld ABODA Conducting Camp and an Associate Instructor for the 2016, 2017 & 2018 NSW ABODA Conducting Camps. In 2018, Dr. Capaldo conducted a Qld State Honours Ensemble and presented at the Australian National Band and Orchestra Conference.

Selected conducting performances

  • 2018 Sydney University Wind Orchestra Heroes & Villains, Conductor
  • 2017 Sydney University Wind Orchestra Liquid Compass, Conductor
  • 2017 Sydney University Wind Orchestra Lightning Field, Conductor
  • 2017 UNSW Wind Symphony Wild Fire, Conductor
  • 2017 UNSW Wind Symphony Cosmopolitan Variations, Conductor
  • 2017 UNSW Wind Symphony Redwood, Conductor
  • 2016 Sydney University Wind Orchestra Winter Dreams, Conductor
  • 2016 Sydney University Wind Orchestra Symphonies of Gaia, Conductor
  • 2016 UNSW Wind Symphony Condition Red, Conductor
  • 2016 UNSW Wind Symphony, Triumph and Tragedy, Conductor
  • 2016 UNSW Wind Symphony, From Far Away Lands, Conductor
  • 2016 Sydney Wind Symphony, Guest Conductor
  • 2009-11 Wollongong Community Orchestra, Resident Guest Conductor
  • 2010 Southern Sydney District Band, Conductor
  • 2008 Victoria Civic Orchestra, Guest Conductor
  • 2007 British Columbia Honor Winds (BCMEA Conference), Conductor
  • 2006 Kamloops/Thomson District Honor Band Kamloops, Conductor
  • 2006 South Island Wind Ensemble, Guest Conductor
  • 2005 Tall Ships Festival Orchestra, Conductor
  • 2005 University of Nevada, Las Vegas Percussion Ensemble, Guest Conductor
  • 2004 University of Nevada, Las Vegas Brass Ensemble, Guest Conductor
  • 2001 NSW State Music Camp Symphony Orchestra, Conductor
  • 2001 Sutherland Symphony Orchestra, Guest Conductor
  • 2001 Symphony on the Beach, Sutherland Orchestra, Sutherland Brass & Sutherland Chorale, Conductor
  • 2000 Tolmie Ensemble Australian Premiere Performance - Chamber Concerto (John Graziano), Conductor
  • 1999 Carols on the Beach Orchestra and Singers, Conductor
  • 1998 Opera on The Beach Orchestra & Singers, Conductor
  • 1996 Hair: Australian 25th Anniversary production, Musical Director

Selected journal and conference publications

  • Capaldo, S.J., Muscat, B. & Tindall-Ford, S. (2014). Examining pre-service generalist primary teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge for teaching music in the K-6 classroom. International Journal of Early Childhood Learning, 21 (1), 19-32. Chicago, USA: Common Ground Publishing.
  • Capaldo, S.J. & Latukefu, L. (2013). More than an overture: A program teaching music by creating, writing, producing and performing ten-minute opera, Redefining the Musical Landscape: Inspired Learning and Innovation in Music Education - XIX National Conference Proceedings (pp. 45-51). Parkville, Victoria: Australian Society for Music Education.
  • Capaldo, S.J. & Bennett, S. (2013). Examining Pre-Service Primary Teachers' Experiences of Music and Technology, World Conference on Educational Media & Technology (pp. 484-493). Chesapeake, United States: AACE.
  • Capaldo, S.J. & Bennett, S. (2011). Investigating young people’s engagement with music through technology in formal and informal settings, International EdMedia Conference 2011. Chesapeake, USA: AACE.
  • Miller, K.A. & Capaldo, S.J. (2011). Designing a curriculum that teaches students conducting to increase their musicianship and ensemble skill, Australian Society for Music Education National Conference 2011. Gold Coast, QLD: ASME.
  • Capaldo, S. J. (2009). Percy Grainger's Hill Songs: A Watershed in Wind Music. Canadian Winds, 7 (2), 96-98. Canadian Winds Publishing.
  • Capaldo, S. J. (2008). Diary of an Honor Winds Conductor. Canadian Music Educator, 49 (4), 32-34.

Selected recordings - Assistant Producer (*Also Co-Editor)

  • Genevro, B., Capaldo, S. J., Heaton, J. et al (2016). Celebrare Celeberrime - Sydney Conservatorium Wind Symphony (John Lynch, conductor). [CD] : Florida, USA. Klavier Music Productions.
  • Genevro, B., Capaldo, S. J. & Douglass, Z. (2011). Marquee Mojo - UNLV Wind Orchestra (Thomas G. Leslie conductor). [CD] : Florida, USA. Klavier Music Productions.
  • Genevro, B., Capaldo, S. J. & Douglass, Z. (2008). Vegas Maximus - UNLV Wind Orchestra (Thomas G. Leslie conductor). [CD] : Florida, USA. Klavier Music Productions.
  • Capaldo, S. J. & Walton, W. (2007). The Quest: Ballet Suite for Wind Orchestra. Recorded on The Quest - UNLV Wind Orchestra (Thomas G. Leslie, conductor) [CD] : Florida, USA Klavier Music Productions 2008.
  • Genevro, B., Capaldo, S. J.* & Douglass, Z. (2007). The Quest - UNLV Wind Orchestra (Thomas G. Leslie, conductor). [CD] : Florida, USA. Klavier Music Productions.
  • Genevro, B., Capaldo, S. J.* & Douglass, Z. (2006). Four Flew Over the Hornet's Nest - UNLV Wind Orchestra (Thomas G. Leslie, conductor). [CD] : Florida, USA. Klavier Music Productions.
  • Capaldo, S. J.* & Britten, B. (2005). King Arthur: Suite for Wind Orchestra. Recorded on Spiritual Planet - UNLV Wind Orchestra (Thomas G. Leslie, conductor). [CD] : Florida, USA. Klavier Music Productions 2005.
  • Genevro, B., Capaldo, S. J.* & Douglass, Z. (2005). Spiritual Planet - UNLV Wind Orchestra (Thomas G. Leslie, conductor). [CD] : Florida, USA. Klavier Music Productions.
  • Genevro, B., Capaldo, S. J.* & Douglass, Z. (2004). Three Steps Forward - UNLV Wind Orchestra (Thomas G. Leslie, conductor). [CD] : Florida, USA. Klavier Music Productions.
  • Genevro, B., Capaldo, S. J.* & Douglass, Z. (2003). Chunk - UNLV Wind Orchestra (Thomas G. Leslie, conductor). [CD] : Florida, USA. Mark Custom Records.

Selected performed compositions, transcriptions & arrangements

  • Capaldo, S.J. & Walton, W. (2016). Under The Greenwood Tree: For Concert Orchestra.
  • Capaldo, S.J. & Backhouse, T. (2015). SCEGGS Darlinghurst Music Department 120th Celebrations.
  • Capaldo, S.J. & Dreyfus, G. (2015). Peace. SCEGGS Darlinghurst Music Department 120th
  • Capaldo, S.J. (2014). Australian Bushsong Collection.
  • Capaldo, S.J. & Teychenné, M. (lyricist) (2014). Reflections in a Sunday Mirror.
  • Capaldo, S.J. (2013). Fantasia on an Irish Folksong.
  • Capaldo, S.J. & Mendes, S. (2012). A Latin Celebration for SCEGGS.
  • Capaldo, S.J. & Walton, W. (2010). As You Like It: Suite for Wind Orchestra.
  • Capaldo, S.J. & Beethoven, L.v. (2009). Finale from ‘Symphony No. 9’.
  • Capaldo, S.J. & Teychenné, M. (lyricist) (2009). On Christmas Eve.
  • Capaldo, S.J. & Loesser, F. (2009). Guys and Dolls: A Suite for SCEGGS
  • Capaldo, S.J. (2009). Moreton Bay: An Australian Folk Song (orchestra setting)
  • Capaldo, S.J. & Teychenné, M. (lyricist) (2006). Vincent of the Fields.
  • Capaldo, S.J. & Teychenné, M. (lyricist) (2006). Eagle of the Wind. Commissioned for the Jervis Bay Arts Festival.
  • Capaldo, S.J. (2005). Moreton Bay: An Australian Folk Song (wind ensemble setting). Written for the International Music Camp Wind Symphony, North Dakota.
  • Capaldo, S.J. & Britten, B. (2004). King Arthur: Suite for Wind Orchestra.
  • Capaldo, S.J. & Walton, W. (2003). Henry V: Suite for Wind Orchestra.

Selected conducting clinics & festival adjudication

  • 2018 ANBOC (Australian National Band & Orchestra Conference), Brisbane, Queensland State Honour Ensemble (William Lovelock Ensemble), Conductor
  • 2018 ANBOC (Australian National Band & Orchestra Conference), Brisbane, Conducting Clinic, Presenter
  • 2018 ABODA NSW Conducting School, Sydney, Associate Conducting Instructor
  • 2017 ABODA Queensland Conducting Camp, Brisbane, Chief Conducting Clinician
  • 2017 ABODA NSW Conducting School, Sydney, Associate Conducting Instructor
  • 2017 Hornsby North Band Festival, Sydney, Adjudicator
  • 2016 ANBOC (Australian National Band & Orchestra Conference), Sydney, Conducting Instructor
  • 2016 ABODA NSW Conducting School, Sydney, Associate Conducting Instructor
  • 2016 Australian International Music Festival, Sydney, Adjudicator
  • 2011-17 Hornsby North Band Festival, Sydney, Adjudicator
  • 2011 City of Sydney Eisteddfod, Adjudicator
  • 2009 Engadine Music BandFest, Sydney, Adjudicator
  • 2008 Rocky Mountain Music Festival, Banff, Adjudicator
  • 2008 Whistler Music Festival, Adjudicator
  • 2008 Vancouver Kiwanis Music Festival, Adjudicator
  • 2008 Festival Nelson, Nelson (CA)
  • 2007 MusicFest (Canadian National Music Festival), Richmond, Adjudicator
  • 2007 Alberta International Festival, Calgary, Adjudicator
  • 2007 Vancouver Kiwanis Music Festival, Adjudicator
  • 2007 Coquitlam Music Festival Vancouver, Adjudicator
  • 2006 MusicFest (Canadian National Music Festival), Ottawa, Adjudicator
  • 2006 Canadian Forces ‘Naden Band’ Conductor Workshop, Victoria, Chief Conducting Clinician
  • 2006 Pacific Northwest Music Festival, Terrace, Adjudicator
  • 2006 Festival Nelson, Adjudicator
  • 2005 MusicFest (Canadian National Music Festival), Richmond, Adjudicator
  • 2005 Canadian Forces ‘Naden Band’ Conductor Workshop, Victoria, Chief Conducting Clinician