Dr. Gary Sousa is the Director of Bands and Professor of Music at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. As Director of Bands, Professor Sousa conducts the University of Tennessee Wind Ensemble, teaches graduate courses in conducting and repertoire, directs the Masters program in Wind Conducting, and oversees the entire band program, consisting of concert bands, athletic bands, and The Pride of the Southland marching Band. Prior to accepting this appointment, Dr. Sousa was Director of Bands at Sam Houston State University from 1988 until 1997, and Associate Director of Bands at Baylor University from 1982 until 1986. Under Sousa's leadership, ensembles have received critical acclaim from both composers and conductors alike. His bands' performances at the 1991 Texas Music Educators Association Convention, the 1994 College Band Directors National Association Southwestern Conference, the 1995 College Band Directors National Association 28th National conference, and the 2000 College Band Directors National Association Southern Conference, as well as four compact disc recordings on the Mark and Vestige labels, have drawn praise for excellence in performance, interpretation, and creative programming. In particular, his work has been heralded by Pulitzer Prize composers Karel Husa and Michael Colgrass, and renowned composers Donald Grantham, Dana Wilson, Dan Welcher, Ron Nelson, and Cindy McTee for outstanding preparation, performance, and interpretation of their music. Dr. Sousa maintains an active schedule as guest conductor and clinician throughout the United States and Canada. He is listed in multiple editions of Who's Who Among America's Teachers, and holds memberships in many organizations including The American Bandmasters Association, College Band Directors National Association, World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles, National Band Association, Music Educators National Conference, Tennessee Music Educators Association, Phi Beta Mu, and Pi Kappa Lambda.

Dr. Donald D. Ryder is Associate Professor of Music and Associate Director of Bands. His duties include working extensively with the "Pride of the Southland" Marching Band, conducting the UT Symphonic Band, and teaching undergraduate instrumental conducting. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Bowling Green State University in Ohio, a Master of Music Education degree from the University of Iowa, and the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Wind Conducting from the University of Iowa. Dr. Ryder studied conducting with Myron Welch and Mark S. Kelly. Dr. Ryder was also a private conducting student of William D. Revelli. Prior to his appointment at the University of Tennessee, Dr. Ryder was on the faculty at Sam Houston State University in Texas. Dr. Ryder successfully taught public school instrumental music in Ohio and Iowa for numerous years where his marching and concert bands were nationally recognized for superior levels of musicianship and performance. During his tenure, he has received many honors and awards including Teacher of the Year. In 1991, Dr. Ryder was recognized by the American School Band Directors Association as the top high school band director in the country and was presented with the coveted Stanbury Award. This award recognized Dr. Ryder for his outstanding levels of teaching achievements with the Troy High School Band in Ohio. In 2003, Dr. Ryder was inducted into the Newton High School Hall of Fame. In 2006, he received the "Distinguished Alumni Award" from Bowling Green State University. Dr. Ryder serves as a clinician, adjudicator, and guest conductor in the field of instrumental music education and holds membership in many professional organizations such as the College Band Directors Association, National Band Association, American School Band Directors Association, East Tennessee School Band & Orchestra Association and the Tennessee Music Educators Association.

Dr. Michael Stewart serves as the Assistant Director of Bands at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.  As Assistant Director of Bands, Dr. Stewart assists with the “Pride of the Southland” Marching Band, conducts the university Concert Band and Pep Bands, as well as teaching undergraduate courses in Brass Methods and Marching Band Techniques. 

Dr. Stewart received his Bachelor of Music Education from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.  His teaching career began within in the Delaware City School district (Delaware, Ohio) teaching music education to students from grades 5 through 12.  Dr. Stewart received his masters and doctorate degrees from The Ohio State University where he served as the Graduate Assistant Director with the Marching Band and Teaching Assistant within the School of Music.

Dr. Stewart continues to actively serve as a clinician, adjudicator, drill writer, and guest conductor throughout the nation.  Dr. Stewart is a member professional organizations such as the College Band Directors Association, National Band Association, East Tennessee School Band & Orchestra Association and the Music Educators National Association.