Gerald Dolan has led NMYO as Music Director since 2011. He held the same position with the Northshore Youth Symphony Orchestra from 1995-2011. He has brought to the orchestras outstanding leadership and musicianship that has caused significant growth in both the students and the organization. Mr. Dolan was conductor of the Senior Orchestra for eleven years, Wind Ensemble for three years, and is currently conductor of the Intermezzo Orchestra.
Mr. Dolan is the Director of Fine Arts for the Ipswich Public Schools. He is also Director of Bands conducting the High School Concert Band, Pep Band, and Jazz Ensemble. He teaches courses in jazz improvisation, computer music composition, and music theory. Mr. Dolan also conducts the 6th Grade Band.
In 2002, Mr. Dolan was awarded the prestigious Lowell Mason Award, presented by the Massachusetts Music Educators Association to a music educator in Massachusetts who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in music education and has made important contributions to music and music education. In 2003, Gerald Dolan was awarded the George Olmsted, Jr. Class of 1924 Prize for Excellence in Secondary School Teaching from Williams College; seniors from Williams College nominate a secondary school teacher that made a difference in their life. In addition, Mr. Dolan teaches instrumental conducting courses at Gordon College in the Graduate Summer Degree Program.
He holds degrees from St. Michael’s College and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. As a recipient of a 1993 Fulbright Scholarship, Mr. Dolan served as head of music for the Speedwell School, an inner city comprehensive high school in Bristol England.