J. Ben Jones

Dr. J. Ben Jones serves as Director of Bands and Assistant Professor of Music at Catawba College, where he conducts the Wind Ensemble, directs the Marching Band and Pep Band, and administers the entire Catawba College bands program.

Dr. Jones earned his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Instrumental Conducting from the University of North Carolina Greensboro in 2021, along with a Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting from the same institution. He also holds a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of South Carolina.

Specializing in instrumental conducting and band program development, Dr. Jones has extensive experience directing wind ensembles, marching bands, and concert bands. His expertise spans music education leadership, ensemble performance techniques, and community engagement through musical programs. He has presented leadership training workshops and served as a guest clinician for band programs throughout the Carolinas.

Dr. Jones is actively involved in professional organizations including the National Association for Music Education, the North Carolina Music Educators Association, the College Band Directors National Association, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.

Previously, Dr. Jones served as Assistant Director of Bands at Elon University (2020-2022) and interim conductor of the Duke University Wind Symphony (fall 2021). Before his graduate studies, he was Director of Bands at Ashbrook High School in Gastonia, North Carolina.