Justin Swearinger

Justin Swearinger serves as Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Instrumental Activities at Monmouth College, directing the Wind Ensemble and Instrumental Chamber Music while teaching music theory and education curriculum. He served as interim director for the Fighting Scots Marching Band in fall 2023.

Educational background:

• Bachelor of Arts in Percussion Performance from University of Alabama in Huntsville
• Master of Music in Wind Conducting from Florida International University
• Doctor of Musical Arts in Wind Conducting from University of Southern Mississippi (awarded December 2022)

His research spans conducting pedagogy, wind ensemble performance, chamber music, percussion techniques, world music traditions, musicological analysis, and theoretical frameworks, with notable focus on David Maslanka's compositions. This interdisciplinary approach integrates performance practice with scholarly inquiry across musical domains.

As an active member of College Band Directors National Association, World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles, Percussive Arts Society, and Illinois Music Educators Association, he has provided clinician services and guest artistry across Iowa, Illinois, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and New Mexico.

His mentorship encompasses course instruction and ensemble leadership, guiding students through curriculum development, orchestration, percussion specialization, and theoretical foundations. Professional development includes ongoing engagement with national music education initiatives and performance standards.

He directs Monmouth College Wind Ensemble and Instrumental Chamber Music programs, building on prior experience with University of Southern Mississippi's bands including rehearsal leadership for the Wind Ensemble and assistant directorship of the 300-member "Pride of Mississippi" marching band.