Jonathan Sweet Joins Faculty as Assistant Professor of Bands
Jon Sweet is excited to join the Purdue Bands & Orchestras faculty as Assistant Professor of Bands in the fall of 2017, after finishing coursework towards a Doctor of Musical Arts Degree at the University of Kentucky. Sweet received his Bachelor of Music Education from Abilene Christian University in 2004, and earned a Masters of Music degree in Wind Band Conducting from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2013.
Prior to his appointment to Purdue’s faculty, Sweet served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of Kentucky. He taught undergraduate conducting students, marching band techniques, private lessons in the Euphonium studio, conducted the Concert Band, guest conducted the Wind Symphony and Symphony Bands, assisted with the Wildcat Marching Band, and directed the Wildcat Pep Band for Women’s Volleyball, Women’s Gymnastics, and Men’s Basketball.
Prior to arriving at the University of Kentucky, Sweet spent 11 years as a public school band director in Texas, where his groups frequently achieved superior ratings, best in class awards, best in festival awards, outstanding visual awards, and outstanding general effect awards.
In addition to his teaching experience, Jon has operated a marching band design and consultation business, Sweet Marching, where he has designed over 150 shows since 2004. These designs have included performances at Bands of America Grand Nationals, Bands of America Regionals, and Super Regionals, Texas State, Area and Regional Marching Band Championships, and the University of Kentucky. These performances include schools from Florida, Idaho, Kentucky, Michigan, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, and Virginia.
In demand as both a marching and concert band clinician, Jon has worked with many fine groups and incorporates his love of energetic performances and positive experiences in the education of students and leaders. Jon has adjudicated for UIL (TX), USBands, American Classics Festivals, and other invitational competitions.
Jon is happily married to his wife, Lori. The two just celebrated their 12th anniversary.