Back to Faculty Directory

Dr. Reno serves as Associate Dean of Liberal Arts, teaches Chamber Singers and other courses in vocal and general music and conducting, and serves as resident music director for the Theater Program. He is founder and conductor of the Clare Ensemble Singers, a professional-level chamber choir in residence at Siena. He serves as Music Director and Choirmaster at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany, and an active performer throughout the area. Incorporating a variety of styles and techniques, Dr. Reno's teaching reflects his enjoyment of all aspects of music and collaboration.

Upcoming performances:
(Conductor) Mozart Solemn Vespers - Siena Choirs and community musicians, Sunday, 3/26/23 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

(Music Director) Siena Spring Cabaret - tickets available through the creative arts department webpage!

Degree Program University
D.M.A. Choral Conducting University of Maryland
M.M. Choral Conducting University of Maryland
B.M. Music Education and Vocal Performance Ithaca College

My Siena Experience

My Teaching Philosophy

I enjoy teaching students to learn how to really hear what they are listening to. We take in sound every hour of every day-- it cannot be turned off, but we "learn" how to tune it out. In order to truly listen, we must rediscover the world of sounds around us and think about the intentions and choices of the composer/songwriter/producer. 

My conducting philosophy bridges the gap between precision and intent.  Many conductors demand perfect pitch, perfect tone, perfect balance-- but leave no time to talk about what the music means to the individual.  Of course musicians should be precise, but it must be driven from our own motivation.  This is true artistic clarity.

What I Love About Siena

Siena a wonderful place to be! It brings together students who care and who work hard, a supportive and interdisciplinary faculty, and unique opportunities that are not available in larger schools.

My Favorite Courses to Teach

I love what I do.  At some point in the semester I tell each class that they're my favorite... and it is absolutely true. Whether ensemble, Intro to Music seminar, Basics of Singing, or the cast of a musical-- each is unique, and teaching all of them informs the way I teach and think about the others.

My Professional Experience

Year Title Organization
2022 - Now Choirmaster and Music Director of the Cathedral and Diocese Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany
2019 - 2019 Interim Music Director Parish of Mater Christi
2017 - Now Associate Professor of Creative Arts Siena College
2015 - 2015 Interim Organist First Lutheran Church
2012 - 2013 Guest organist Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
2011 - 2017 Assistant Professor of Creative Arts Siena College
2010 - 2011 Adjunct Instructor University of Maryland
2008 - 2010 Teaching Assistant University of Maryland
2006 - 2011 Music Director / Organist Our Lady of the Fields Church
2004 - 2006 Teaching Assistant University of Maryland
2001 - 2004 Vocal and Choral Music Teacher Haddam-Killingworth High School

Current Research

As an artist with degrees in performance (conducting and voice) and music education, a wealth of experience in piano/organ, and a penchant for composing, I am a multifaceted and very active professional musician in the area.  In addition to this, I am always interested in discovering new repertoire to share with my choral and voice students, and exploring research on the importance of play in the learning process.

Awards & Distinctions

  • Chamber Singers reviewed by committee and accepted to perform at the Fall Conference of NY American Choral Directors Association (ACDA). Other ensembles include Eastman Chorale and Women's Ensemble and Buffalo Choral Arts Society

    Category: Teaching
    NY ACDA, 2015

Presentations

  • Hosting Institution Performance
    2019
    National Collegiate Choral Organization (NCCO), College Park, Maryland
  • A Vocal Tune-Up
    November, 2017
    Weaving Our Gifts: A national conference of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, West Hartford, Connecticut
  • Reaching Out: Exploring Interdisciplinary Collaboration
    October, 2017
    ACDA CT State Fall Conference, Manchester, Connecticut