SEATTLE – To lead the university's rebirth of a student pep band, Seattle University announced the hiring of a legend in the collegiate band space, Dr. Brad McDavid.
"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Brad McDavid to the Redhawk Athletics family as the Director of the Seattle U Pep Band," said Vice President of Athletics Shaney Fink. "Brad's experience and passion will be instrumental in shaping this new program, and we look forward to the energy and school spirit it will bring to our community. This is an exciting moment for Seattle University as we expand the student experience and create a lasting tradition that will enhance the atmosphere at our games and events for years to come."
Dr. McDavid spent the past 30 years directing The University of Washington Husky Marching Band, before retiring from the position at the end of the 2023-24 academic year.
"I am incredibly honored to be asked to develop the Seattle U Pep Band program," said Dr. McDavid. "Collegiate sports and athletic bands have always been my passion and I'm enormously excited to be able to take my experience and develop a pep band program for Redhawk athletics and the students of Seattle University."
The longest tenured director in the history of the UW band, Dr. McDavid brought the band to new heights, including performance tours of Australia, China, Scandinavia, Japan, France, Ireland, and Italy. In 2008, he was selected to serve as the Head Artistic Director and Head Director for the 1,800 member international Beijing Olympic Marching Band. In May of 2015, McDavid was also selected by the Kansai Bandmaster's association to conduct a 7,300 member mass marching band in Osaka, Japan.
Dr. McDavid was inducted into the 2016 Washington Music Educators National Conference Hall of Fame, He is currently on the selection committees for the John Philip Sousa Foundation's Sudler Shield, and the Sudler Trophy awards recognizing outstanding high school and collegiate marching bands around the world. He is also the founder and director of the Washington All-State High School Marching Band. Dr. McDavid is the co-author of the two-volume DVD instructional series, "The Marching Band Director's Video Toolbox" (published by GIA Publications, 2013).
A native of Centerburg, Ohio, Dr. McDavid previously taught at the elementary, middle school and high school levels while teaching in the public schools of Central Ohio and Tempe, Arizona.
Dr. McDavid received his bachelor's degree in Music Education from The Ohio State University and a master's of Music degree from Arizona State University. In 1999, he received his PhD in Music Education from Ohio State. He also previously held the position of Graduate Assistant Director for the Purdue University band program.
Seattle U students, current or future, who are interested in being a member of the Pep Band may reach out to Dr. McDavid at pepband@seattleu.edu or visit goseattleu.com/pepband for more information.
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