USF Band Directors' Symposium
The 黑料爆料鈥檚 School of Music is proud to host the 5th annual Band Directors鈥� Symposium on June 2-3, 2026. This year's lead clinician will be Darcy Williams, who is the head band director at Stiles Middle School in Leander, Texas. Her musical education began in her father鈥檚 band hall in Harper, Texas where she spent her afternoons learning to play any instrument she could find in the storage closet while waiting to go home. Bands under her direction have performed at The Midwest Clinic twice (2015, 2021), the Western International Band Clinic in Seattle, and are consistently state finalists in the TMEA Honor Band contest.
She is the author of two books on education: and . She is also well-known for her podcast, , which many of you likely enjoy.
The symposium is open to active, future and retired middle and high school band directors. Participants will play in a lab band (no performance) led by a nationally-recognized director who will demonstrate the rehearsal techniques they use on a daily basis in their programs. In addition, there will be several sessions led by USF faculty, outstanding teachers, music supervisors, and other experts in the field. Specific clinics will vary year to year, but will typically include conducting, instrument techniques, arranging/composing, instrument repair, jazz, work/life balance, repertoire, and much more.
participant information
Fee = $150
clinician
Darcy Williams is the head band director at Stiles Middle School. Born to parents who met in their beginner trombone class, Darcy is 100% a product of the Texas music system. Her own musical education began in her father鈥檚 band hall in Harper, Texas where she spent her afternoons learning to play any instrument she could find in the storage closet while waiting to go home. Darcy received her Bachelor of Music in 2004 from West Texas A&M University.
Mrs. Williams bands have performed at The Midwest Clinic in Chicago twice (2015, 2021), the Western International Band Clinic in Seattle, and are consistently state finalists in the TMEA Honor Band contest.
In addition to teaching Mrs. Williams clinics both students and music educators across the United States. She is the author of two books on education: and .
Darcy is married to John Vogt, and together they have a future All-State Band member - their daughter Caroline - and 2 spoiled dachshunds, Lucy and Jack.