Dr. Donald B. Ryder
Dr. Donald D. Ryder is the WJ Julian Professor of Bands and serves as Director of Bands at The University of Tennessee. His duties include directing the “Pride of the Southland” Marching Band, conducting the UT Wind Ensemble, and administrating the UT Band Program. In 1991, Dr. Ryder was recognized by the American School Band Directors Association as the top high school band director in the country and was presented with the coveted Stanbury Award. This award recognized Dr. Ryder for his outstanding levels of teaching achievements with the Troy High School Band in Ohio. In 2006, he received the “Distinguished Alumni Award” from Bowling Green State University. Dr. Ryder serves nationally as a clinician, adjudicator, and guest conductor in the field of instrumental music education and holds membership in many professional organizations such as the College Band Directors Association, National Band Association, American School Band Directors Association, Phi Beta Mu, East Tennessee School Band & Orchestra Association, and the Tennessee Music Educators Association.
