He has also encouraged the students to participate in group activities, such as an orchestra movie night last semester where they watched “Little Miss Sunshine.”

“It was like a family night,” said Wagner.

While Wachs has the ability to relate to students, he also knows how to take control.

“I remember the first time we had the chance to work with him,” recalls Jon Harmon, a junior. “We improved just… instantly.”

Wagner, a music education major, has observed him in conducting class, and believes she has a handle on one of his secrets – changing your persona. Having power over an ensemble means having its respect, even if it means you’ve got to put on a new pair of shoes.

Wagner is at least partially right. Wachs is always cracking jokes one-on-one, but when he goes into conducting mode, he’s serious.

“When you’re in the professional world, you expect them to know what they’re doing,” he said. “I don’t treat my students any differently. I don’t look down on them. I expect them to come up to my level. And they’ve really done it.”