Steven Dennis Bodner Memorial Service

Terry Riley’s In C: 2:30 in Thompson
Memorial Service: 3:00 in Thompson
Reception: ~4:30 in ’62 Center, CenterStage
Musical Celebrations: 6:00 in Brooks-Rogers (Bernhard)
More Music: 8:00 in Chapin Hall

Steven Dennis Bodner, 35, of North Adams, MA, passed away January 11, 2011, from complications due to pneumonia in Albany, NY. He was born on June 14, 1975, in Parma Heights, Ohio, to Regina and Dennis Bodner (deceased). He is survived by his mother, his sister, Lisa Schmidt, brother-in-law Neil Schmidt, and nephew Gabe Schmidt of Loveland, Ohio.

Steve was Artist-in-Residence at Williams College where he directed the Symphonic Winds and Opus Zero Band, co-directed I/O New Music Festival, and taught saxophone, music fundamentals and music theory. He was a founding board member of Roomful of Teeth and regularly conducted productions of The New Opera in Williamstown.

After graduating from Valley Forge High School, he earned degrees in philosophy and saxophone performance from Miami (OH) University, in conducting from New England Conservatory (with academic honors and distinction in performance), and he was a candidate for his Ph.D. in Music Education at UMass-Amherst.

He taught at the Hartwick College and South Shore Conservatory Summer Music Festivals and at the New England Conservatory Preparatory School. He was in demand as a guest conductor and clinician. As a saxophonist, Steven performed with the Berkshire Symphony Orchestra, Williams Chamber Players, the Manchester Music Festival, and the microtonal ensemble NotaRiotous.

Steve was a fierce and tireless advocate for new music. He commissioned and premiered numerous works for wind ensemble and saxophone. He created a thriving culture of contemporary music performance at Williams College that enriched students and community members alike.

Steve will be remembered by his family, students, and friends as a caring, devoted, talented, and dedicated man. His love for music and the people in his life was unmatched. A visitation will take place Sunday, January 16, 2011 between 4:00 and 8:00 p.m. at Tomon Funeral Home in Middleburg Heights, OH. Funeral will be held at Holy Spirit Byzantine Catholic Church in Parma, OH at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 17, 2011. A memorial service is also taking place at Williams College in Massachusetts at 3:00 p.m. on February 12, 2011.