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Donald McKinney
Chair, Department of Bands
Join a close-knit, collaborative student-faculty community, where you will hone your conducting skills and learn all facets of the job of a well-rounded conductor and educator.
Your degree program will include experience with each of the Jacobs School of Music bands: Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and All-Campus Band.
In addition to generous podium time with major ensembles, you’ll work in the exciting atmosphere and large crowds of the B1G athletic conference with a wide range of athletic bands, from the 300-strong IU Marching Hundred to the 100-member Big Red Basketball Band and Women’s Basketball Band to the smaller, top-notch, auditioned Crabb Soccer Band.
You’ll also benefit from collegiate teaching experience with undergraduate students, expert feedback from wind conducting faculty, and a 100% job placement rate.
You’ll learn from some of the country’s most respected conductors and pedagogues in an environment rich with one-on-one interactions and individual faculty feedback.
Learn from the best as you work with a wide range of ensembles and expand your skills in all areas of the field.
Chair, Department of Bands
Assistant Professor of Music (Bands)
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Student Success
Associate Professor of Music (Bands)
Associate Professor of Music (Bands)
The faculty at Jacobs have been a guiding light for me, helping me learn how to approach conducting, playing, scholarship, and the aesthetics and joy of music. Their advice plays on a mental loop every time I pick up a baton or a horn, and I can’t wait to apply that knowledge on my next stage of education.
Jackson P. McLellan, B.M.E., Instrumental Teaching–Band
Count on frequent podium time and consistent concert opportunities—master’s students conduct a minimum of five performances each year, and doctoral students conduct a minimum of seven performances.
You’ll gain hands-on teaching experience working on music and drill with sections of the Marching Hundred and even contribute to the creation of a full half-time show.
You will also gain collegiate teaching experience by assisting in conducting classes and giving private conducting lessons to undergraduates.
By the time you finish your degree, you’ll be a top candidate for the next opportunity in your career path. Our 100% job placement rate speaks for itself.