Dr. Galen Karriker
Drum Major Clinician
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Assistant Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands at The University of Akron, Galen Karriker conducts the Concert Band, directs both the Zips Marching Band and the Blue & Gold Brass, and teaches courses in conducting and marching band techniques.
A native of Lake Charles, LA, Galen received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Louisiana State University and his Master of Music degree from Michigan State University. From 1994 to 1999, he served as Assistant Director of the Marching Band and conductor of the University Band at The University of Wisconsin.
Galen writes much of the music performed by The University of Akron Marching Band and the Blue & Gold Brass Band. He remains active as a band and percussion clinician and adjudicator, and currently holds memberships in the College Band Directors National Association, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Music Educators National Conference, Ohio Music Education Association, Percussive Arts Society, and Kappa Kappa Psi (honorary member ’93).
Galen has instructed and arranged for several high school and college bands in Louisiana and Michigan. Galen was a snare drummer in the Phantom Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps and concluded his marching career as an award-winning conductor for the Regiment in 1990 and 1991.