This presentation will explore the life and career of John L. Whitwell, a distinguished wind band conductor and music educator. Whitwell’s impact includes leading university band programs, commissioning new works, and contributing to key music organizations. Through an interview with Whitwell and colleagues, the presentation will highlight his influence on the wind band community and his lasting legacy in shaping future generations of music educators and conductors.
J.T. Womack
- Biographical Information
Dr. JT Womack is the Director of Bands/Low Brass Instructor and Assistant Professor of Music at Mars Hill University in Mars Hill, North Carolina. Prior to his appointment at MHU, he served as the Director of Bands and Visiting Assistant Professor of Music at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah. He received his D.M.A. in Wind Conducting from the University of Iowa, where he studied with Dr. Richard Mark Heidel and Dr. Eric Bush. His doctoral thesis research details the life and career of Professor John Whitwell. Prior to his enrollment at the University of Iowa, Dr. Womack was the Director of Bands at Greenbrier Middle School and the Assistant Director of Bands at Greenbrier High School in Greenbrier, TN from 2008-2018. Dr. Womack holds two degrees from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee. In 2005, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Music Education, where he studied trombone with Susan K. Smith and graduated Cum Laude. In 2007, he earned a Master of Musical Arts in Instrumental Conducting where he studied with Mr. Bob Lee, Dr. Gregory Wolynec, Dr. Douglas Droste, and Dr. Andrea Brown. Prior to his career as a Music Educator in the state of Tennessee, Dr. Womack held an international career as a Professional Trombonist. In 2007, he was appointed as the Principal Trombonist of the Rome Festival Orchestra in Rome, Italy. Additionally, in 2007, he won the position of Principal Trombonist for Royal Caribbean Cruise Line’s Grandeur of the Seas.
Patricia Brumbaugh is currently the conductor of the Northwestern Michigan College Concert Band. She holds a BA in Music Education from Olivet College (1976), an MM in Music Education from the University of Michigan (1986), and is A.B.D. in Horn Performance at the University of Memphis. Pat retired from public school teaching in 2013 after 13 years as Director of Bands at Traverse City West Senior High School. She has also taught at the University of Memphis, Arkansas State University, and several Michigan schools. Pat has received numerous honors, including being named “Outstanding Young Band Conductor” by the American School Band Directors Association (1984) and “Outstanding Band Teacher of the Year” in Michigan (2006). She is a member of the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association and the American Bandmasters Association. Pat has conducted All-State Bands in Texas, Florida, Kentucky, and Indiana, and continues to serve as a clinician, adjudicator, and guest conductor.