KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE — The University of Tennessee in Knoxville has announced Dr. Michael Stewart as incoming director of the Pride of the Southland Marching and Athletic Bands, Associate Director of Wind Studies, and WJ Julian Endowed Professor
Stewart is a 1994 graduate of Sidney High School. He is the son of Jerry and Jane Stewart, of Sidney. He attended the Ohio State University and marched with The Ohio State University Marching Band, along with his wife Kelli Peterson Stewart, daughter of Dale and Jane Peterson, also of Sidney. Mike and Kelli have four children.
After graduation he served as assistant director of Delaware high school marching band in Delaware, Ohio.
Returning to Ohio State, Stewart was on staff of the Ohio State Marching band where he received his MA and PhD in music education before accepting a position at University of Tennessee.
Stewart, currently associate professor of music education and associate director of bands, arrived at the University of Tennessee campus in 2007. Since then, he has been a frequent face to the UT community, both with the Pride of the Southland Marching and Athletic Bands, and as conductor of the UT Symphonic Band and University of Tennessee Pep Bands, and as an instructor in the classroom.
Effective July 1, 2022, he will become director of the Pride of the Southland Marching and Athletic Bands and Associate Director of Wind Studies. This position also holds the WJ Julian Endowed Professorship.
“I look forward to working with the amazing students of UT as well as the Pride alumni, my colleagues, and fans that so passionately support this band and the Vols,” Stewart said. “I’m also humbled, but excited to stand in front of this amazing group of students with 152 years of tradition behind them. I’m grateful for this opportunity and cannot wait for the fall to hear Rocky Top ringing throughout Neyland Stadium.”
“I am thrilled that Dr. Stewart will continue in our school and take on this new responsibility,” said Jeff Pappas, director of the School of Music. “His expertise and vision for the Pride of the Southland and other aspects of the band program are exceptional, and everyone looks forward to working with him to realize these goals. The future is as bright as ever for this important area in our unit and for our campus, alumni and friends.”
