News

Katelyn Blaszynski, teaching assistant with the University Bands, will graduate on May 10, 2025 with a Master of Music degree in Wind Band Pedagogy. She has been recognized with a university-wide accolade titled the Graduate Dean’s Citation. This award is a tribute to graduate students whose impact in scholarship, teaching, and the campus culture is felt far beyond simply attaining an outstanding individual academic record.

Dr. Fred Speck, Director of Bands at the University of Louisville, was the recipient of the 2025 Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity, Psi Chapter, “HALL OF FAME” Award! The award was presented at the Kentucky Music Educators Association Conference in February 2025. The impact of Dr. Speck’s leadership and musicianship is immeasurable and far reaching. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Speck on this well-deserved recognition!

At the 2024 Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, UofL School of Music Associate Director of Bands, Dr. Amy Acklin, was awarded the Paula Crider Award from Tau Beta Sigma. The award was presented in Chicago on December 19, 2024 by Tau Beta Sigma’s National President Leslie Gartin and National Vice President for Professional Relations LaToya A. Webb. Congratulations to Dr. Acklin on this well deserved honor!

Dylan Teel (Master of Music in Wind Conducting, 2020) has been selected to participate as a 2024 Conducting Fellow in the prestigious Midwest International Band and Orchestra Conference H. Robert Reynolds Conducting Institute. While at the University of Louisville, Mr. Teel distinguished himself as an outstanding graduate teaching assistant with the University Bands and upon graduation earned a University-wide Graduate Dean’s Citation. Now in his fifth year of teaching, Dylan is serving in his first year as an…

Adam W. Thomas is honored and excited to join the staff of the School of Music. He holds a Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting, a Master of Arts in Teaching, and a Bachelor of Music Education, all from the University of Louisville.  Adam is currently the Assistant Conductor of the Louisville Civic Orchestra, as well as a member of the Board of the Chamber Music Society of Louisville. Adam recently completed three years as a staff member…