UTM has hired Steve Barnett as the university’s new Athletic Band Director, effective July 1.
Barnett has already begun recruiting for regional high school students and UTM students not currently active in the athletic band for the 2019 Aviators Marching Band.
“This is a very exciting time for me and for bands at UTM. I am thrilled to be a part of it! I am especially thankful to Dr. Julie Hill, chair of the Department of Music, Dr. John Oelrich, director of Bands, and to the UTM administration for their support in making this appointment possible.”
Barnett was formally coordinator for UTM’s Office of Educational Outreach.
He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Mississippi and a master’s degree in music education from Mississippi College.
Barnett has published 15 marching band arrangements, served as a band director for 24 years at both the high school and collegiate levels in Mississippi, and worked for Amro Music in Memphis as an educational music representative for West Tennessee.
Barnett has also served as a professor of music, director of bands, program director for the School of Music and Theatre, as well as coordinator of music education and conductor for marching band and wind symphony for Marshall University for 11 years.
“Barnett has demonstrated at least twice in his career that he can build a successful athletic band program,” Hill said. “He has vast experience and proved successful in his role with athletic bands at both Ole Miss and Marshall Universities.”
“I think we are very lucky to have him and all the faculty and students are really excited.”
Students interested in participating with Athletic Bands can register for it just like any other class. For those with questions regarding qualifications for ensembles, contact Dr. Julie Hill at jhill@utm.edu.
