Hardwick ’21 Appointed Orchestra Director and Professor at Wake Forest University

Adjunct Professor of Esports J. Aaron Hardwick ’21 (Doctor of Musical Arts in Performance – Conducting) was recently appointed orchestra director and professor at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Wake Forest is a prominent, Division I school with a strong department of music within its undergraduate college. In addition to the school’s long-standing department of music, Wake Forest University has a clear vision for interdisciplinary and innovative artistic endeavors through their “Wake the Arts” initiative. Hardwick will succeed David Hagy, who served in the role for 27 years.

“I am still very much in awe of this news and delighted for this new opportunity and chapter in my professional and personal life,” said Hardwick. “In addition to the support from my amazing wife and family, it is in large part due to the performance and academic preparation, community and opportunities provided me during my time at Shenandoah Conservatory that I am able to celebrate this professional achievement. I was able to thrive at Shenandoah.”

Hardwick and his family will move to North Carolina this summer. His wife Christi, has served as the coordinator of records and projects in the Shenandoah Conservatory front office since October 2018.