Erika Svanoe

High School Honor Band Conductor

Dr. Erika Svanoe (b. 1976) is a conductor and composer for wind band, known for her lyrical melodies, nods to classic literature, and musical deconstruction, humor, and pastiche. Her works have been performed internationally by school, university, community, and professional bands. Her first major work, The Haunted Carousel, won the 2014 NBA Young Band Composition Contest.

As a conductor, Dr. Svanoe has held residencies with the USAF Heritage of America Band, the Atlanta Freedom Bands, and numerous universities. She has held collegiate appointments at Augsburg University, Bemidji State University, and the University of New Hampshire. She is active as a guest conductor and clinician, appearing with high school, university, and festival ensembles across the United States. She earned a Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting from The Ohio State University, a Master of Music in Wind Conducting from Oklahoma State University, and a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire. She currently lives in Menomonie, WI with her husband, designer and graphic novelist Erik Evensen.