Richard Floyd
- Biographical Information
Richard Floyd is presently in his 58th year of active involvement as a conductor, music educator and administrator. He has enjoyed a distinguished career at virtually every level of wind band performance from beginning band programs through high school and university wind ensembles as well as adult community bands.
Mr. Floyd is a recognized authority on conducting, the art of wind band rehearsing, concert band repertoire, and music advocacy. As such, he has toured extensively throughout the United States, Canada, Australia and Europe as a clinician, adjudicator and conductor including appearances in 44 American states and in 9 other countries. The Austin Symphonic Band, under his leadership, has performed at the Midwest International Clinic in Chicago on three occasions.
In 2002 he was the recipient of the prestigious A.A. Harding Award presented by the American School Band Directors Association in recognition of his significant and lasting contributions to the school band movement. The Texas Bandmasters Association named him Texas Bandmaster of the Year in 2006 and in 2009 he was presented the Texas Music Educators Association Distinguished Service Award. In March of 2011 he was inducted into the Music For All Hall of Fame and awarded the prestigious Midwest International Clinic Medal of Honor for his distinguished and unique contributions to educational bands and orchestras. Most recently he was inducted into the National Band Association Academy of Wind and Percussion Arts, considered to be the Academy Award of wind music performance.
Floyd is a Yamaha Master Educator and is the author of the critically acclaimed book “The Artistry of Teaching and Making Music” published by GIA Publications. His latest book, “The Seven Deadly Sins of Music Making” also published by GIA was released in August 2020.