Music Wall of Fame

Joe Stites is a native of Hopkinsville, KY and 1973 graduate of Hopkinsville High School where he was a member of the band, was twice selected to membership in the KMEA All-State Bands and earned KMEA Superior Ratings in tuba performance. In the fall of 1973 he enrolled in WKU where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education (1977) and was in the first class to attend WKU in the new Fine Arts Center. An active tubist, he studied with Dr. Kent Campbell and upon graduation was admitted to graduate school in the Master of Science in Music Education program at the University of Illinois – Urbanba/Champaign. At UIUC he studied with Daniel Peratoni and completed his master’s study in 1978. In 1995 he returned to UIUC for study in the EdD program.

From 1978 to 1987 he served as band director in several Kentucky schools as well in Atlanta, GA. In 1987 he began a long and distinguished career at Western Kentucky University where over the years he taught the methods and education courses most integral to music education students. In his numerous roles he served as Associate Director of Bands, Director of Athletic Bands, Assistant Professor of Music Education and Tuba/Euphonium as well as carrying many departmental administrative duties, Advising Chair and departmental committees including Grants and Scholarship and Undergraduate Curriculum. From 2000-2001 he became Interim Department Head. In 2007-2008 he served as Interim Director of Bands at WKU.

Performing activities included the WKU Faculty Brass Quintet, Principal Tubist in the WKU Orchestra, Orchestra Kentucky - Bowling Green and substituted with the Owensboro Symphony. As a conductor he was in demand for All-District Bands throughout Kentucky and was Co-Director of the Southern Kentucky Concert Band from 2004-2007. In 2007 he assumed the role of Principal Conductor for a prosperous twelve-year tenure.

As a committed music educator he maintained a close and fruitful relationship with the Kentucky Music Educators Association. He was elected KMEA President in 2009-2011, was instrumental in many KMEA committees and served as site manager for many festivals including KMEA State Marching Band Championships. His students are significant contributors to the success of music education throughout the state of Kentucky and its surrounding region.