Anthony Maiello is an internationally respected conductor, educator, and clinician whose career has influenced generations of musicians and music educators. Now a retired University Professor of Music at George Mason University, he has conducted and presented clinics throughout the United States and abroad and is a former conductor and founder of the American Festival Pops Orchestra. Maiello has also served as a cover conductor for the National Symphony Orchestra and was named an Honorary Conductor of the United States Navy Band. An accomplished author and conducting pedagogue, he is the author of Conducting: A Hands-On Approach and Conducting Nuances. In 2010, Maiello was inducted into the Bands of America Hall of Fame. This will be Maestro Maiello's 5th appearance as conductor for the Classic Band Festival.