Timothy J. Reno

TIMOTHY RENO has loved music since he could crawl to the stereo speakers and wave his arms. That early spark has evolved into a multifaceted musical life. Dr. Reno is Professor of Creative Arts at Siena, where he serves as director of choral activities and faculty chair (2026-2029). In 2019 he founded the Clare Ensemble Singers, a semi-professional choir in

residence. His artistic journey is defined by a “yes-and” approach. Whether conducting opera in a recycling plant, singing Peter Warlock accompanied by a ballet company, or performing Handel’s Messiah in any way imaginable, Tim thrives on versatility and work that brings people together. He has performed across Europe and the East Coast under batons of luminaries such as Helmuth Rilling, Masaaki Suzuki, and Marin Alsop. A passionate clinician and liturgical

musician, he has worked with hundreds of high school festival singers and served as a diocesan, cathedral, and parish music director. Tim holds the DMA and MM in choral conducting from the University of Maryland, and the BM in music education and vocal performance from Ithaca College. A pillar of the NY choral community, he hosts the annual NY-ACDA summer

conference and serves on the honorary board for the Vocal Essence of the Southern Tier (VEST). Away from the podium or keyboard, you might find Tim baking breads and pastries, enjoying a manual transmission car, or just driving his wonderful family up a tree.

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

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