Kent, Ohio – The Hugh A. Glauser School of Music at Kent State University is pleased to announce alumna Dr. Kate Ferguson as the Interim Director of Athletic Bands and Associate Director of Bands effective this month. A native of Ohio, Dr. Ferguson most recently served as the Director of Bands at the Akron School for the Arts, housed at Firestone High School. At Kent State, she will provide musical and administrative leadership for the Marching Golden Flashes and Flasher Brass.
“Dr. Ferguson brings with her 22 years of experience in music education,” said Dr. Kent McWilliams, Director of the School of Music. “I’m delighted to welcome her back to the Kent State community in this new role to lead our acclaimed Athletic Bands and Symphony Band.”
Prior to her appointment at Firestone, Dr. Ferguson held positions with both the Crestwood Local and Cuyahoga Falls City School Districts. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Kent State, a Masters in Music Education from The University of Akron and a Ph.D. in Music Education from Kent State. Ensembles under her direction have been invited to perform at such prestigious venues as the Kennedy Center and Severance Hall as well as the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) and the Fort-McDowell Fiesta Bowl Parade, among others. As a scholar, she has presented sessions on Sight Reading at the 2018 Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic as well as the 2019 OMEA Professional Development Conference. She is also published in “Contributions to Music Education.”
Committed to the advancement of music education, Dr. Ferguson is an active member of the Ohio Music Education Association, having served as an adjudicator and by hosting High School Solo and Ensemble Events. She has served in a leadership capacity on the Professional Conference Planning Committee, as the All-State Band Chair and as Past-President of District VI.
About the School of Music
The Hugh A. Glauser School of Music at Kent State University, nestled in beautiful and vibrant Kent, Ohio, is one of the most distinguished schools of music in the Midwest. For over 100 years, the School of Music has nurtured the next generation of music educators, performing artists and scholars. We offer some of the most comprehensive and innovative degree programs in the country, with an emphasis on experiential learning, quality scholarship and immersive technical training. Students enrolled in our programs can expect a warm and supportive environment where fostering professional growth and personal development is a priority. Our graduates have gone on to have successful careers in music education, music performance, scholarly research, higher education and administration.
During the summer, the School of Music hosts the Kent Blossom Music Festival in cooperation with The Cleveland Orchestra and Blossom Music Center. The festival is regarded as one of the premier centers for professional music training for young artists in the United States. Now entering its 51st season in 2019, the festival continues its now half-century legacy of helping to launch the careers of young artists with alumni holding positions of prominence in many of the world’s finest orchestras, chamber ensembles and educational institutions.
Learn more about the Kent State Bands
Audition for the Kent State Marching Golden Flashes
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Please direct all media inquiries to:
Andrew Paa, Marketing Assistant
apaa@kent.edu | 330-672-0894