Bienen School of Music Professors Mallory Thompson and Donald Nally have been jointly appointed as the John W. Beattie Chair of Music, effective September 1, 2015. The Northwestern Board of Trustees and Provost Daniel Linzer approved the five-year appointments.

Professor Thompson, director of bands, has served on the conducting faculty of the Bienen School of Music since 1996. She conducts the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, teaches graduate and undergraduate conducting, and administers all aspects of the band program. Thompson is also coordinator of the Bienen School’s Conducting and Ensembles program. She received her bachelor’s degree in music education and her master’s degree in conducting from Northwestern University’s School of Music, and her doctor of musical arts degree in conducting from the Eastman School of Music. 

Professor Nally, director of choral organizations, was appointed to the Bienen School of Music’s conducting faculty in 2012. He conducts the Bienen Contemporary/Early Vocal Ensemble and University Chorale, teaches graduate and undergraduate conducting, and administers all aspects of the choral program. He received his bachelor of music degree from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, master of music degree in choral conducting from Westminster Choir College, and his doctor of musical arts degree in choral conducting and literature from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

John W. Beattie joined the Northwestern music school faculty in 1925. He served as the third dean of the School of Music from 1936 until his retirement in 1951.

Victor Yampolsky, director of orchestras in the Bienen School, also holds an endowed professorship as the Carol F. and Arthur L. Rice Jr. University Professor in Music Performance.