About the Director

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As a versatile conductor in both the orchestral and wind band worlds, Elliott Lentz is a dynamic musician and strong advocate for arts education. Currently serving as Director of Orchestras at North Central High School (Indianapolis, IN), he is also the Conductor-in-Residence with Sound Ecologies (Indianapolis, IN) and Head Clinician for the Smith Walbridge Student Conducting Clinic (Charleston, IL). From 2021 - 2026 Lentz served as Artistic Director & Conductor for the Circle City Orchestra (Indianapolis, IN). In addition to his various roles, Elliott likewise maintains an active freelance conductor, adjudicator, & clinician schedule. 

Lentz’s ensembles at North Central have earned numerous accolades and “With Distinction” Honors. In 2023 the Chamber Orchestra was invited to perform at the Indiana Music Education Association State Professional Development Conference. His conducting experience extends in this role to also include leading live stage productions as Pit Orchestra Conductor for Freaky Friday, The Little Mermaid, Mamma Mia!, and Sister Act and assisting with The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and the Indiana premier of Frozen. As a strong advocate for arts education he has given multiple professional development presentations covering such topics as “Introduction to String Players on Teaching Jazz”, “The Chosen Ones: Hoth Topics in Music Selection”, and “Getting the Gig: Tips to Help You Stand Out as the Ideal Candidate for the Job”. 

During his tenure with the Circle City Orchestra, ensemble membership has continued to grow exponentially. Local collaborative performances have included Ballet INitiative, the Circle City Chamber Choir, Sound Ecologies, and the Indianapolis Arts Chorale in addition to hosting multiple local concerto soloists. The CCO also performed by invitation at the inaugural “Symphony on the Circle Festival” hosted by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra & made their debut performance at the Indiana Music Educators Association State Professional Development Conference in January of 2026. Since the organization’s inception, they have premiered 6 new works for String Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, and Symphonic Orchestra. Elliott routinely makes appearances on both television and radio programs to feature and promote the organization. In his role with Sound Ecologies thus far, he has premiered over 30 new works by local composers with additional performances scheduled.

Lentz was selected as 1 of 5 finalists to conduct & perform with the United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” in the 10th Annual Army Band Workshop & Concert in July of 2025. During the 2023 - 2024 season he was named as a Music Director Finalist with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra of Indiana conducting his concert cycle “Outside the Box” &  Semi-Finalist for the position of Music Director/Conductor with the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra. Guest conducting and collaboration opportunities have included the Purdue University Philharmonic Orchestra, University of Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Indiana Bandmasters Association All-Region & All-District Honor Bands, Ballet INitiative, the Circle City Chamber Choir, Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, Columbus Indiana Philharmonic, and Columbus Symphony Orchestra. Symposium participation has included the Conductors Retreat at Medomak, University of Colorado - Boulder, University of Illinois, University of Indianapolis, and University of Missouri - Kansas City. 

Elliott completed his Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Ball State University where he studied Trumpet with the late Professor Paul Everett and Conducting with Dr. Thomas Caneva. Additional conducting mentors include Maestro Matthew Kraemer, Professor Gary Lewis, Professor Donald Schleicher, Dr. Rodney Dorsey, and Professor Barry Houser. Outside of the rehearsal hall, he loves spending time with his wife, Amy, and rescue Bernese Mountain Dog, Augie.

Bio Coming Soon