Kenneth Amis B.M., M.M.

Distinguished Artist-in-Residence–tuba
Music Director and Conductor–wind ensemble

Kenneth Amis

Professional profile

Kenneth Amis was born and raised in Bermuda. He is presently the tuba player of the Empire Brass and the Palm Beach Opera Orchestra. Amis has been commissioned by numerous organizations including the Belmont High School Band (MA), the Massachusetts Instrumental Conductors Association, the New England Conservatory Wind Ensemble, the University of Scranton (PA), College Band Directors National Association, Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra of Boston and the Boston Classical Orchestra. As a tuba player, Amis has soloed with the English Chamber Orchestra and has been a member of the Tanglewood Festival Orchestra and the New World Symphony Orchestra.

Amis has served on the faculties of Boston University, Boston University Tanglewood Institute and the Pacific Music Festival in Japan. He is also currently working as assistant conductor of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Wind Ensemble.

Amis enrolled in Boston University at age sixteen, where he majored in composition and studied tuba with Chester Schmitz and Sam Pilafian. After graduating from Boston University and becoming a licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music, he attended the New England Conservatory where he earned a master's degree in Composition.

Education

  • B.M., Boston University
  • M.M., New England Conservatory of Music

Teaching philosophy

Learning in the fine and performing arts should be a part of every person's education. Active participation in music and the visual arts in general engages students through their minds, bodies, and senses in particular, develops skills in self-discipline, flexible ways of thinking, concentration, decision-making, physical coordination and perception. Successful participation in arts activities builds confidence self esteem and a sense of responsibility and accomplishment. In addition, arts study can develop an aesthetic awareness and sensitivity that, in turn, can provide opportunities for lasting recognition of excellence and quality. I endeavor to not only guide each student through an investigation of their relationship with the performing arts, but to pass on to them the knowledge of how to become their own best teacher so that they may pursue a lifelong exploration, development and enjoyment of music and the performing arts.