Profile for

Garth Gundersen

Interim Director of Bands | Director of Instrumental Activities

Garth Gundersen currently serves as Interim Director of Bands at East Texas A&M University, where he leads the acclaimed ETAMU “Pride” Marching Band and conducts the Wind Ensemble while also teaching courses in music education. The Pride Marching Band is nationally recognized for its innovative design and excellence in the marching arts, with a history that includes performances at the UIL State Marching Festival, BOA Regionals, Super Regionals, and Grand Nationals. Under Gundersen's leadership, the ensemble recently delivered a landmark exhibition performance at the UIL 5A State Marching Contest in the Alamodome, captivating more than 20,000 spectators with its dynamic production ET: First Contact. Gundersen's artistic vision continues to elevate the concert program at ETAMU through collaborations with leading composers, including Ryan George (Acts of Congress) and Omar Thomas (Caribana and Come Sunday), strengthening the university's commitment to contemporary repertoire and immersive performance experiences.

Before his appointment at ETAMU, Gundersen served as the Assistant Director of Fine Arts for Killeen ISD, where he supervised band and orchestra programs across 6 high schools, 11 middle schools, and 33 elementary schools. Prior to his central-administration leadership, he spent 26 years teaching bands in the greater Austin area, holding positions at Westlake HS, Stephen F. Austin HS, and serving as Head Band Director at Akins HS, Hendrickson HS, and James Bowie HS. His ensembles earned national acclaim with appearances at the Western International Band Clinic (Seattle), the Midwest Clinic (Chicago), the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade, the ABC Boscov's Thanksgiving Day Parade (Philadelphia), and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (New York City). His bands were consistent UIL Sweepstakes Award recipients, UIL State Marching Contest participants, and Bands of America Regional and Super Regional Finalists and Champions. Gundersen also served as co-conductor of the Austin Youth Orchestra from 2018–2022, further extending his impact on young musicians throughout Central Texas.

Gundersen earned his master's degree in music education and conducting from The University of Texas at Austin, studying with Jerry Junkin, Bob Duke, and Paula Crider. He holds a bachelor's degree in music education from Louisiana State University, where he studied with Frank Wickes and served as drum major of the Golden Band from Tigerland. A frequent adjudicator, clinician, arranger, and presenter, Gundersen maintains active professional affiliations with TMEA, TBA, Phi Beta Mu, TMAA, and Pi Kappa Lambda. At East Texas A&M University, he continues to champion artistry, innovation, and student-centered excellence, shaping the next generation of performers, educators, and leaders in the musical arts.

Educational Background

• M.A., Music Education and Conducting, University of Texas at Austin
• B.A., Music Education, Louisiana State University

Professional Organizations

• Texas Music Educators Association
• Texas Bandmasters Association
• Phi Beta MU
• Texas Music Adjudicators Association
• Pi Kappa Lambda

Featured Courses

• MUS 100 – Marching Band
• MUS 100 – Symphonic Band
• MUS 404 – Marching Band Techniques
• MUS 414 – Conducting II
• MUS 419 – Wind Band Administration
• MUS 420 – Wind Band Rehearsal Techniques