Welcome
Thank you for visiting my website. For more than twenty years, I’ve dedicated my career to creating meaningful musical experiences that inspire students, audiences, and communities alike. My work centers on collaboration, discovery, and excellence—bringing people together through the shared artistry of performance and learning.
Here you’ll find videos, recordings, and stories that reflect those values—from my ensembles’ performances to student projects that embody the joy and rigor of music-making. I hope these moments give you a glimpse into the creative energy that drives everything I do.
BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Brent Johnson is Director of University Bands at Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky, where he conducts the Wind Ensemble, teaches conducting, and oversees a vibrant program that emphasizes artistry, community, and student growth. He previously served as Associate Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands at Murray State.
Under his leadership, the Murray State Bands have expanded their reach through major commissioning and composer-in-residence projects, including the A Field of Wildflowers consortium—a tribute to the life of Kelsey Dunn—and residencies with composers such as Tyler S. Grant, Kelijah Dunton, and John Fannin. Dr. Johnson also founded the Jackson Purchase Youth Wind Orchestra, a regional honors ensemble offering exceptional young musicians an advanced and immersive experience in wind ensemble performance.
Before returning to Murray State, Dr. Johnson served as Director of Bands at Evergreen High School in Vancouver, Washington, where the Wind Ensemble earned national distinction with performances at the 2018 Music for All National Concert Band Festival and the 2019 NAfME All-Northwest Conference. His earlier work as Director of Fine Arts for the Harlandale Independent School District in San Antonio, Texas, and as a high school band director in Kentucky and Texas, reflects his long-standing commitment to inclusive, high-achieving music education.
Dr. Johnson earned his Doctor of Musical Arts in Wind Conducting from the University of Kentucky, a Master of Music in Music Education from New Mexico State University, and a Bachelor of Music Education from Murray State University. He is a member of CBDNA, KMEA, the NBA, and WASBE.