School of Music

BYU Music Professor Inducted into ABA

By Meghan Fletcher

Don L. Peterson, Director of Bands in the BYU School of Music, was recently inducted into the American Bandmaster’s Association (ABA). After teaching and directing bands for 35 years, Peterson’s efforts were recognized with his election to ABA membership during the organization’s recent national convention in Norfolk, Virginia.

“It’s such an honor to receive this professional recognition and to be associated with the ABA,” Peterson said. As a member of the ABA, Peterson will join many of the profession’s elite band directors. The ABA is an exclusive group, consisting of 300 members nationwide. Distinctive members include the legendary John Philip Sousa, honorary life president, and Edwin Goldman, director of the famous Goldman Band.

“As I consider some of these early ABA members, it is remarkable to see their influence on the world of band music. Sousa’s popularity was such that people would line the train tracks whenever he toured with his band,” Peterson said. “As a new member of the ABA, it is humbling to be linked with some of America’s most prominent bandmasters.” Peterson becomes the fifth band director from the state of Utah to receive membership since the organization’s inception. Also included in that group is David Blackinton, BYU Director of Bands, Emeritus.

"Don's recent membership in ABA is a fantastic accomplishment," said Kory L. Katseanes, director of the BYU School of Music. "So very few band directors in the country are inducted into this organization. It signals two things—first, that Don's career is of sufficient national merit that he deserves such prestige, and second, that the band program at BYU is sufficiently worthy to propel its directors to national prominence. Both are extremely gratifying to our School of Music and to the BYU community."

Peterson’s election was the culmination of a year-long nomination and review process. This process included an intensive review of Peterson’s performances and accomplishments by a committee of past ABA presidents, as well as ratification by the general membership. As a new member, Peterson will guest conduct one of the performing ensembles at the ABA’s 2012 convention in Indianapolis.

Peterson received his B.M. and M.A. degrees from BYU, followed by a D.M.A. in Instrumental Music/Conducting from Arizona State University. He taught band at American Fork High School for ten years before beginning his collegiate career at BYU. For 21 years, Peterson taught music education and directed both the Cougar Marching Band and Symphonic Band. Appointed in 2008 as BYU Director of Bands, Peterson oversees all BYU bands and conducts the Wind Symphony on international tours. He also remains active in music education and serves as current president of the Utah Music Educators Association.