Steve Barnett, formerly coordinator for the University of Tennessee at Martin Office of Educational Outreach, has been hired as the university’s new director of athletic bands, effective July 1. Barnett spent 24 years in Mississippi working as a band director at both the high school and collegiate levels, including four years with the University of Mississippi.

He also taught at Marshall University in West Virginia, where he served as a professor of music, director of bands, program director for the School of Music and Theatre, coordinator of music education and conductor for marching band and wind symphony during 11 years with the university. He then worked for Amro Music Co. in Memphis as an educational music representative for West Tennessee before accepting his previous position at UT Martin in 2016. He has published 15 marching band arrangements through Jalen Publishing Co. in Orlando, Florida, and serves as a staff arranger for the company.

Barnett holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Mississippi and a master’s degree in music education from Mississippi College.

“The music faculty and I are thrilled with the hire of Steve Barnett. He brings decades of experience in developing outstanding band programs, and we are very fortunate to have him join our department,” said Dr. Julie Hill, chair of the Department of Music. “Steve’s teaching style when it comes to marching band is based on the SEC model, which focuses on a variety of music and changes parts of the performance throughout the season. His goal is to make the Aviators Marching Band the center of game-day spirit involving as many student performers and fans in the crowd as possible.”

For more information, contact Hill at 731-881-7418 or <a href="mailto:jhill@utm.edu">jhill@utm.edu</a>.
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