Department of Music News

Dr. Matthew McCurry, Director of Athletic Bands and Associate Director of Bands in the Department of Music at WKU, won the 2024 College/University Teacher of the Year Award from the Kentucky Music Educators Association (KMEA). 

KMEA is an organization of over 2,000 professional music educators at all levels from kindergarten to the university level dedicated to the cause of music education in Kentucky. Associated with the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), it serves as a voice for Kentucky’s music educators.

Dr. McCurry holds a bachelor’s degree in Instrumental and Vocal Music Education from Carson-Newman University, where he also earned a master’s degree in Education. He also received the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Conducting from West Virginia University.

For fifteen years, he served as a public-school educator in East Tennessee, spending twelve of those years as the Director of Bands at Carter High School in Knoxville. His tireless dedication to music education resulted in the band becoming the largest comprehensive band program in the county with over 200 students in two marching bands, three concert ensembles, and competitive jazz and indoor programs.

During his four years at WKU, he has successfully led and directed the award-winning Big Red Marching Band, directed and supervised various Pep Bands, conducted the Symphonic Band, and taught Music Education courses.

“Dr. McCurry exhibits the type of excellence we continue to celebrate,” says Dr. Terrance Brown, Dean of the Potter College of Arts and Letters (PCAL). “I am thankful for his continuous efforts in providing transformational education opportunities for students both in and out of PCAL.”

For more information about the WKU Department of Music, please visit wku.edu/music.