Dr. Zack Deininger
Dr. Deininger is thrilled to be coming to Kansas State University and is excited to be a part of the Wildcat Family. Dr. Deininger received a Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Wind Conducting from the University of South Carolina where he served as a graduate assistant with the Carolina Bands. At the University of South Carolina, he assisted with all aspects of the concert and athletic bands, including arranging and writing drill for the University of South Carolina Marching Band, and assisted with undergraduate conducting courses. Prior to receiving his doctorate, Dr. Deininger served as the Assistant Director of Bands at Green Valley High School in Henderson, Nevada (a suburb of Las Vegas). In this position, he co-directed the 175-member Green Valley Marching and Athletic Bands, directed the Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and Jazz Band III, served as assistant conductor of the Symphonic Winds, and was instructor of the Advanced Placement Music Theory course and Chamber Class. In addition to his duties at Green Valley High School, he also served on the Nevada All State Band Committee and as Chairperson of the Southern Nevada Band Association’s High School Honor Jazz Bands.
Receiving a Master’s Degree in Music Education from Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama, Dr. Deininger assisted with all aspects of the Auburn Band Program serving as conductor of the Auburn University Campus Band, assistant conductor of the Auburn University Symphonic Winds, instructor of the undergraduate advanced conducting course, and assistant to all aspects of the Athletic Band Program. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio where he studied horn under Grammy award winner Dr. Andrew Pelletier and served as Drum Major for the Falcon Marching Band for three years under Dr. Carol Hayward. To complete his undergraduate degree, Dr. Deininger student taught with the Bands of Wando in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina under Mr. Bobby Lambert and Mrs. Lanie Radecke.
Dr. Deininger is a staff member of various summer camps throughout the country where he instructs drum majors and student leaders in leadership and conducting. He also serves as a music and marching staff member for the Macy’s Great American Marching Band held over Thanksgiving each year in New York City. Dr. Deininger is a member of the College Band Directors National Association, the National Association for Music Education, the Society of Pi Kappa Lambda; and he is an honorary member of Tau Beta Sigma.
