University of Washington Director of Athletic Bands Announces Retirement
November 21, 2023 | General
After 30 years of directing The University of Washington Husky Marching Band, Dr. Brad McDavid has announced his intention to retire at the end of the 2023-24 academic year.
The University of Washington Husky Marching Band is in its 94th season and has entertained audiences worldwide. The band has built a reputation of excellence and prides itself in its musicality and ability to showcase Husky spirit.
"For three decades, Brad has served Washington Athletics with passion and dedication," said Director of Athletics Troy Dannen. "Under his direction, The Husky Marching Band has raised the standard and helped create lasting memories for generations of Husky fans. The gameday experience would not be where it is today, without Brad's leadership."
As the band's fourth director, and the longest tenured director in the history of the band, Dr. McDavid has brought the band to new heights while also upholding the legacy of those before him. During his time leading the band, loyal Washington alumni and other band followers have watched and enjoyed countless traditional football pregame and entertaining halftime performances.
Dr. McDavid is known worldwide as a clinician, adjudicator and guest conductor. He has led The Husky Marching Band on 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.
Inducted into the 2016 Washington Music Educators National Conference Hall of Fame, Dr. McDavid 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 has also held the position of graduate assistant director for the Purdue University band program.
During the upcoming Boeing Apple Cup football game between Washington and Washington State on Saturday, November 25, there will be a celebration of Dr. McDavid's career at the UW. For tickets, fans are encouraged to purchase through SeatGeek, the official ticket marketplace of Washington Athletics.
To celebrate Dr. McDavid on his incredible career and his impact on the University of Washington, please consider making a gift to the Husky Marching Band Endowment Fund in honor of Dr. Brad McDavid.
The University of Washington Husky Marching Band is in its 94th season and has entertained audiences worldwide. The band has built a reputation of excellence and prides itself in its musicality and ability to showcase Husky spirit.
"For three decades, Brad has served Washington Athletics with passion and dedication," said Director of Athletics Troy Dannen. "Under his direction, The Husky Marching Band has raised the standard and helped create lasting memories for generations of Husky fans. The gameday experience would not be where it is today, without Brad's leadership."
As the band's fourth director, and the longest tenured director in the history of the band, Dr. McDavid has brought the band to new heights while also upholding the legacy of those before him. During his time leading the band, loyal Washington alumni and other band followers have watched and enjoyed countless traditional football pregame and entertaining halftime performances.
Dr. McDavid is known worldwide as a clinician, adjudicator and guest conductor. He has led The Husky Marching Band on 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.
Inducted into the 2016 Washington Music Educators National Conference Hall of Fame, Dr. McDavid 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 has also held the position of graduate assistant director for the Purdue University band program.
During the upcoming Boeing Apple Cup football game between Washington and Washington State on Saturday, November 25, there will be a celebration of Dr. McDavid's career at the UW. For tickets, fans are encouraged to purchase through SeatGeek, the official ticket marketplace of Washington Athletics.
To celebrate Dr. McDavid on his incredible career and his impact on the University of Washington, please consider making a gift to the Husky Marching Band Endowment Fund in honor of Dr. Brad McDavid.
On set with the Dawgs and our hometown favorite, @DicksDriveIns 🎥🍔 #GoHuskies #DawgsUnleashed
Thursday, December 11
Through the eyes of our drum majors 👀🥁 #gohuskies #football #marchingband #drummajors
Wednesday, December 10
Charlie Kosakoff Highlights: Washington Men's Soccer
Wednesday, December 10
What would you change? 🤔 #gohuskies #football #rankings #collegesports #d1athlete
Wednesday, December 10
