Steve McKeithen is the Associate Director of Bands at California State University, Fresno, where he
directs the Bulldog Marching Band, Symphonic Band, and the Bulldog Basketball Band.
He recently completed a successful appointment as the Assistant Director of Bands
at Northwestern State University. While at Northwestern State, he directed the Spirit
of Northwestern Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, and Magale Symphonic Band, as well as
teaching conducting classes and select music education courses. During his two years
at Northwestern State, the marching band grew by fifteen percent, while adding a fourth
concert band and increasing basketball band participation by sixty percent. The Spirit
of Northwestern was also selected as an “Ensemble of Excellence” by the College Band
Directors Association, Southern Division during the 2013 season as the result of a
juried video submission.
Mr. McKeithen is the former Director of Bands for Seguin High School and served as
the Instrumental Music Coordinator for the Seguin Independent School District in Seguin,
Texas. Under his direction, the Seguin Band program was recognized for successful
performances at WGI, Bands of America, Texas State Wind Ensemble Festival, Percussive
Arts Society Convention, UIL State Marching Contest and at the Bands of America National
Concert Band and Percussion Festival.
Mr. McKeithen completed his Doctorate of Musical Arts in Conducting at Arizona State
University (ABD), earned a Master of Science in Music Education and Conducting from
the University of Illinois, and a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University
of Florida. He was awarded the coveted Performer’s Certificate by the faculty for
his study and performance on clarinet, was the principal clarinet for the Wind Ensemble,
performed with the Faculty Woodwind Quintet and premiered a solo for clarinet at the
Society of Composer’s National Conference. Mr. McKeithen was a performing member
with Suncoast Sound Drum and Bugle Corps and has served on the brass staff of the
Madison Scouts, Glassmen and Spirit of Atlanta. His professional affiliations include
the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles, College Band Directors National
Association, California Band Directors Association, Louisiana Music Educators Association,
Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association and the Central States
Judging Association. Mr. McKeithen is an active designer, program consultant, clinician,
curriculum consultant, conductor and adjudicator of concert bands and marching bands.
