Episode 97 - T. André Feagin

T. André Feagin is the assistant director of bands at Colorado State University. He joins the show to talk about his career and his involvement in DCI, and to share his thoughts about how conductors are advocates for the composer. Topics: T. André’s early musical training through high school and college and some excellent advice for directors and teachers considering a decision to return to graduate work full time. T. André’s experience growing up with DCI from the age of 17 and his continued involvement in the activity. How to know when it is time to change jobs or career direction and how to know when you’re in a good job or position. “In the end, the only thing that matters is the music you make and the people you make it with.” Thoughts about the commissioning process and the importance of being a composer’s advocate. Links: T. André Feagin Boston Crusaders Naylor: Yes, I Want to Cross Over Maslanka: Symphony no. 4 Biography: Dr. T. André Feagin is the assistant director of bands and assistant professor of music at Colorado State University. At CSU his job duties include serving as conductor of the Symphonic Band, director of the CSU Marching Band, Presidential Pep Band, and Basketball Pep Band. In addition, he teaches courses in undergraduate conducting and marching band techniques. Prior to this appointment, he served as director of bands at Coastal Carolina University (SC) and associate director of bands at the University of Texas at El Paso. Dr. Feagin has appeared with numerous All-state and regional honor bands throughout the United States, Canada, and Southeast Asia. Previous engagements include serving as conductor of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) All-National Concert Band, conductor of the Massachusetts All-State Band, the New Mexico All-State Concert Band, and the New England Intercollegiate Band. He has presented clinics on conducting, leadership, and the marching arts at the Arizona Music Educators Association State Convention, The Savannah State University Conducting Workshop (GA), The Universiti Teknologi MARA in Selangor, Malaysia, the South Carolina Music Educators Association State Convention, the Georgia State University Leadership Institute, the New England Band Directors Institute (NH), and the NAfME National Conference. Dr. Feagin’s research and scholarly activities include serving as a contributing author in multiple volumes of the Teaching Music Through Performance in Band series. In addition, he has been featured in the Instrumentalist, Teaching Music, and Billboard magazines. His doctoral research studies Spanish wind composer Bernardo Adam Ferrero and his wind composition Homenaje a Joaquín Sorolla. He is the recipient of numerous awards and honors including a proclamation of “Professor T. André Feagin Day” from the Mayor and City Council of El Paso, Texas.