Above: John Christian, director of bands, Lyon College
An internationally experienced music educator and conductor has been named the new director of bands at Lyon College.
John Christian will oversee the college’s band program, conduct all campus bands, and teach various music courses, the college said in a news release.
Christian’s career spans the globe, having previously served as director of university bands at the University of Charleston in West Virginia, fine arts chair and music educator at Almaty International School in Almaty, Kazakhstan, and various schools in Morocco and the United States. His academic journey, which includes stints at Southern Catholic College, Barry University, Alma College, Kazakh National Conservatory, and the State University of New York at Buffalo, reflects his extensive global experience in music education.
“I am honored to be part of our music program at Lyon College,” Christian said. “We have an opportunity for renewal and offer a unique experience to our talented students while honoring the strong tradition of music excellence by our faculty and alumni. I’ve had the privilege of working with musicians and educators from all over the world, and I’m eager to collaborate with band directors and instrumentalists across the state.”
Christian has built a distinguished career as a guest conductor and adjudicator, conducting honor bands across 12 states, Asia and Africa. His work has taken him to notable events such as the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor, the Australian Band and Orchestra Association Convention in Melbourne and the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) National Convention in Minneapolis. His service as a National Instrumental Music Teacher Mentor for NAfME further underscores his commitment to developing the next generation of music educators, the college said.
“We are thrilled to welcome John to Lyon College,” said Vice President for Enrollment Services Tommy Newton. “His remarkable background, combined with his passion for mentoring and developing the next generation of musicians, makes him a perfect fit for Lyon College. We look forward to seeing the positive impact he will have on our students and the community.”
Christian has commissioned more than 10 works for winds at the elementary, middle and high school levels. His ensembles have participated in the American Composer’s Forum Bandquest Project and collaborated with the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation. Christian has also worked with recognized composers, including Stephan Paulus, David Gillingham, Timothy Broege and Randall Standridge, among others.
Christian earned a Bachelor of Music from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and a Master of Arts from Central Michigan University. He also completed postgraduate studies in instrumental conducting and music education at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Central Michigan University. His professional affiliations include NAfME, the Arkansas Music Educators Association, the Arkansas School Band and Orchestra Association, the College Band Directors National Association, the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles, the Society for Arts Entrepreneurship Education, the International Society for Music Education, The College Music Society, Kappa Kappa Psi Band Fraternity and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Music Fraternity.
For more information about the Lyon College band program, contact the Lyon College Admissions office at Admissions@Lyon.edu or Christian at John.Christian@Lyon.edu.
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