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Graduate Assistants | Graduate Programs | 2007-08 Concert Schedule

2007-08 Graduate Assistants

Douglas Henderson is currently pursuing the Master of Music degree in Wind Conducting at Michigan State University. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Henderson served as the Associate Director of Bands at J.J. Pearce High School in Richardson, Texas, where he conducted the Symphonic Band, Concert Band, one of the jazz ensembles, and taught sixth grade beginning band classes. While at Pearce, he conducted performances in Carnegie Hall and the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. Douglas holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from the University of Texas at Austin (2003), where he also served for two years as the drum major of the Longhorn Band and played euphonium in the UT Wind Ensemble. In 1998 and 1999, Douglas marched lead baritone in the Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps. He was also on the brass staff of the Southwind Drum & Bugle Corps in 2001. Douglas holds professional memberships in the Texas Bandmasters Association, Texas Music Educators Association, and Kappa Kappa Psi National Band Fraternity.

Galen Karriker

Matthew Smith is completing course work for the DMA in wind conducting degree.  He is attending MSU while on leave from Iowa State University, where is serves as the Associate Director of Bands.  His responsibilities at ISU include directing the Cyclone Marching Band, Symphonic Band, and Men's Basketball Band, as well as teaching in the Department of Music.

Mr. Smith came to Iowa State from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. While at Baylor, he served as Associate and Assistant Director of the Golden Wave Band.  He also conducted the Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and Courtside Players.  In addition, he taught in the School of Music and observed student teachers in instrumental music education.  Prior to his arrival at Baylor, he was the Assistant Director of Bands and Visiting Lecturer in Conducting at the University of Michigan for the 1999-2000 school year.

Raised in Fairfax, Virginia, Mr. Smith received his undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. After teaching in the Maryland public schools, he completed a master's degree in music education from the University of Michigan.

Mr. Smith has served as a clinician and guest conductor in a number of states.  His professional affiliations include the Iowa Bandmasters Association, the College Band Director's National Association, Tau Beta Sigma, Kappa Kappa Psi, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.

William Staub is entering his first year of graduate wind conducting studies at Michigan State University, where he is actively involved in the day-to-day activities of the university bands.

Before coming to MSU, William served as assistant band director at Grisham Middle School in Austin, Texas. Bands under his direction received top ratings and universal praise from his peers. During his tenure, the Grisham Honors Band was selected as the first runner-up in the Texas Music Educators Association Honor Band Competition. In addition to his duties with the bands, William assisted with the orchestra, which was invited to play at the TMEA convention.

William received his undergraduate degree in Music Education from Arizona State University. His primary conducting teachers have been Kevin Sedatole and Gary Hill. He studied euphonium with Sam Pilafian.

A native Texan, William grew up in Allen, a suburb of Dallas. While at Allen High School, Bill was the head drum major and marched in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Dan Tembras