Walter Thompson
Artistic Director

I created the Walter Thompson Orchestra (aka WTO) in 1985 primarily as a vehicle for my compositions and adaptations of works by Charles Ives, Duke Ellington, and others. The group's repertoire now includes pieces by other composers written specifically for the band. As composer/conductor, saxophonist and music director of the WTO I try to construct an environment where artists can exercise their ideals of creating and risking through development and exploration of new music. In my own writing I like to say that I blend the complexities of jazz with the structural rigor of contemporary American chamber and orchestra music. During the past 13 years with the WTO I have developed a sign language that I call Sound Painting, which I use to conduct and direct improvisation. I use this language to rearrange compositional elements, blend textures, guide the rhythm section and soloists and sculpt group improvisation.

I compose for, play in, and seek out work in many different music mediums. At present I am working on a musical with VIA Theatre and the Doug Elkins Dance Company, my ongoing collaboration with The Solomons Company/Dance, a film for Sterling Films and a treatise on my conducting language Sound Painting. I have a very strong need to give back what I've worked so hard to get. I have been teaching music for over 25 years, in public schools under the auspices of the American Stage Network, colleges, outreach programs and privately. As an artist my mission is to continue to develop through work with the WTO, my collaborations in theatre, dance and film and through the desire to give it back to others through education.