Every student should feel they have the ability to exist in a space that values their whole-cultural self. Engaging in open & honest dialogue about diversity, equity, and inclusion gives us the insight needed to cultivate an inclusive community. This session provides the tools needed to challenge systems and structures that negatively affect marginalized communities., empowering our colleagues to be better allies for all students.
Joshua Johnson
- Biographical Information
Joshua Johnson currently serves as the Associate Director of Bands at Traughber Junior High in Oswego, Illinois. Prior to coming to Oswego, Josh served as Director of Bands at North Kirkwood Middle School and Associate Director of Bands in Kirkwood, Missouri.
Joshua attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he received his Bachelor of Music Education Degree with Honors.During his time at Illinois, he was a member of the Illinois Wind Symphony, the Marching Illini, the University of Illinois Black Chorus, and many other university ensembles. Josh studied Oboe with Professor John Dee & studied conducting and pedagogy with Dr. Stephen Peterson, Dr. Beth Peterson, Dr. Linda Moorhouse & Professor Barry Houser.
Josh has been recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education in 2021 as a finalist for the 2021 Outstanding Early Educator division of Illinois Teacher of the Year. He was also the recipient of the 2021 Outstanding Early Educator Award of Meritorious Service.
Josh spent two years serving as a Conductor (Drum Major) for the two time Drum Corps International World Champion, Phantom Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps. He is still very active in the marching band activity. Josh has worked as a designer, instructor, choreographer and judge throughout the states of Missouri and Illinois.
Josh’s professional affiliations include the Illinois Music Education Association and the National Band Association.
Barry L. Houser is the Associate Director of Bands, Director of the Marching Illini, Director of the Fighting Illini Athletic Bands, and Clinical Associate Professor in the School of Music at the University of Illinois.
His responsibilities include conducting a variety of concert ensembles, the overall administration of the Athletic Bands, and serving as the Director of the Nation’s Premiere College Marching Band – the 375-member Marching Illini. Professor Houser’s teaching experience encompasses both extensive public school and university experiences.
Houser is in frequent demand as a guest conductor, clinician, adjudicator, and has presented clinics throughout the United States in both the marching and concert band mediums. Houser is also a contributing author for the marching band textbook The System as well as several editions of the Teaching Music through Performance in Band series. He currently serves as chair of the Athletic Band Committee for the College Band Directors National Association as well as President and Head Clinician of the Smith Walbridge Clinics.
Houser holds professional memberships in the College Band Directors National Association, National Band Association, NAfME, Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, Kappa Kappa Psi International Band Fraternity, Honorary member of Tau Beta Sigma, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and is an elected member of Phi Beta Mu, the international bandmasters fraternity.
Barry L. Houser is a Yamaha Master Educator and an educational consultant for Ultimate Drill Book!