Exclusive Interview with Music Educator: Mike Craner

Glens Falls Symphony Exclusive Q&A with Music Educator Mike Craner:

GFS: As Director of both the Symphonic Band and Schuylerville Jazz Ensemble at Schuylerville Central Schools, and Jazz Director at Castleton University and RPI, what inspires you when influencing your students? What strategies do you use to motivate and engage your students?

MC: As a leader/conductor of ensembles, I live for the “light bulb” moments when students all of a sudden have a new understanding of a concept and their moments of “pride” and accomplishment when they realize how far they have developed over a semester, year, or over many years of study.

I utilize a wide range of strategies to motivate and inspire my students, including frequent exposure to primary sources, such as great professional recordings, as well as connecting the concepts of physics [waves and resonance] among other subject areas. I try to share the things and moments that inspired me as a student and continue to do so as a professional, both as an educator and a performer.

GFS: What do you see as the most important skills for a successful Band Director?

MC: I am a firm believer that a high level of musicianship is critical, being a musician educator rather than a music educator. I also maintain a commitment to excellence in all I do, striving to have students/ensemble members feel proud of what they accomplish when we all put in our best effort every day at every moment.

GFS: As Music Director/Principal Conductor for the Lake George Community Band, what do you enjoy most about leading this dynamic group?

MC: Presenting classic & new compositions to both the members of the Band and our audiences, as well as bringing in students of accomplished level to have an opportunity to play larger and more challenging literature, which they may not have the opportunity to experience in other settings.

GFS: You are the bassist in the Hudson River Music Hall House Band at the Strand Theatre in Hudson Falls, NY, as well as the bassist for Maxine Linehan, Better Off Led (Led Zeppelin tribute), Tumblin’ Dice (Rolling Stones tribute), and the Dirti Harri’s (George Harrison tribute), among others. What do you enjoy most about performing live music?

MC: I love the power of the human connection with audiences of all types while working with top-shelf professionals in genres other than just classical & jazz. In particular, I relish the “feeling” when a piece in any genre is performed in sync and tight…the energy and resonance it creates.

GFS: You have collaborated many times with the GFS over the years. Music Director Charles Peltz has stated that " Michael is a first-class musician in both classical and jazz music. Then it is his courteous professionalism: things are done right, and done right away. But ALWAYS with good humor. He is a first-class colleague!" What do you enjoy most about working with Charles and the professional musicians of the GFS?

MC: I enjoy working with Charles Peltz because I believe we both share a deep passion for quality music and a seriousness of purpose, while striving to inspire those around us, as well as making the human connection with our musicians and audience.  I feel the same way about our GFSO musicians as well. We are most blessed to have an orchestra of this caliber in Glens Falls.

GFS: What can our audience look forward to at this upcoming side-by-side performance?

MC: I believe we will witness both energized and inspired students, as well as professionals, as they engage in creating great music together as a cooperative. It is a rewarding experience to undertake and endeavor such as this concert.

GFS: Why is a side-by-side concert experience for this skilled group of High School Musicians so valuable?

MC: Any opportunity to work with a professional in a setting such as this is a priceless moment to reinforce, as a student, their current skill level and allow them a glimpse into where they can get to through continued dedicated study, listening, and practice.

GFS: You are a 2021 Grammy Award nominee who has been directing concert bands and jazz ensembles in addition to keeping an active professional performing schedule in the northeast for over 20 years! What keeps you motivated when composing, performing, directing, and teaching after all these years?

MC: The continued pursuit of excellence, lifelong learning, and the commitment to promoting new music, in conjunction with sharing and passing on what I have learned to a new generation of musicians and music lovers. I never lose the curiosity and desire to learn new concepts about or experience all things music in my everyday and professional life. To me, music is the soul of life.

Side by Side w/ North Country Music Students and the Glens Falls Symphony Led by Music Director Charles Peltz

Sunday, March 15, 2026, 4 pm. Pre-concert talk at 3 pm.

Arthur Zankel Music Center, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY

Tickets are on sale NOW! Click Here to purchase

This concert is supported by funding from the J.M. McDonald Foundation.