Alumni Inspires THS

Justin McManus, THS graduate of the class of 2006, will be conducting the 2022 Connecticut Music Educators Association Northern Region High School Concert Band. He formerly played both clarinet and bassoon in the THS band and was Drum Major of the “Pride of Torrington” Marching Band.
 
A proud Connecticut native, Mr. McManus graduated from Torrington High School and attended the University of Connecticut for his undergraduate and graduate degrees in music education and performance. He is currently completing a doctoral degree in music education through the Boston University School of Music.
 
Mr. McManus also serves as Assistant Director of University Bands and faculty in the Department of Music at the University of Notre Dame. Assisting with all facets of the band program, his responsibilities include conducting the Symphonic Winds, Symphonic Band, University Band, and Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble.
 
Mr. McManus assists with the direction and administration of the 380+ member “Band of the Fighting Irish” Marching Band and directs the Men’s and Women’s Basketball Bands. He has also directed the French Horn Ensemble, varsity Hockey Band, and numerous special ensembles, including at military commissioning ceremonies and Olympic sports contests.
 
Traveling around the world, Mr. McManus has conducted the Notre Dame concert bands over several international tours, including trips to Australia, Croatia, Spain, Portugal, Peru, Italy, and Slovenia. In 2014, Mr. McManus served as an adjudicator for the 3-day New Zealand National Concert Band Festival held in the capital city of Auckland. He continues to work with numerous middle and high school ensembles as an adjudicator and clinician. In 2021, he returned to Connecticut as conductor of the Laurel Music Camp concert band.
 
In addition to his conducting responsibilities, Mr. McManus teaches a course in instrumental methods, oversees program recruitment, co-teaches a class in behavioral and community psychology, and facilitates the university’s first-year seminar program. He has also served on numerous university committees and advisory groups, including a Diversity Education initiative for new hires in the Division of Human Resources.