Keith Gates: Music

Jeffrey J. Lemke is Professor of Wind Studies, Conducting and Coordinator of Instrumental Music Education Studies at McNeese State University. Dr. Lemke teaches undergraduate conducting and instrumental methods and literature, graduate advanced instrumental techniques, historical and philosophical foundations of music education, music supervision and administration. He also supervises instrumental music student teachers and serves on the graduate faculty committee. Dr. Lemke maintains an active schedule as guest conductor, clinician, adjudicator, and consultant for concert, marching and jazz bands throughout the United States and Canada.

Previously he has served as National Coordinator for State Chairs for the College Band Directors National Association, University and Research Division Chair for the Louisiana Music Educators Association, as well as serving as President of the Louisiana Chapter of Phi Beta Mu. In addition to having been appointed as International Student Membership Chairperson for the International Association of Jazz Educators, he is the former Chair of the International Membership Committee and Past President of the Missouri State Unit. He is co-author of the book, French Music for Low Brass Instruments: An Annotated Bibliography, published by Indiana University Press, which has received critical acclaim as “probably the most valuable and complete piece of scholarship ever produced about low brass instruments.” Dr. Lemke is a recent recipient of the prestigious national Orpheus Award presented by the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia National Music Fraternity for “significant and lasting contributions to music in America”.

Prior to his appointment at McNeese State University, Dr. Lemke was Associate Director of Bands at the University of Missouri and guided highly successful instrumental music programs at both the high school and junior high school levels in the public schools of Wisconsin and Arizona.

Dr. Lemke completed his undergraduate work at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and earned his Master's and Doctoral degrees from the University of Arizona. His professional affiliations include the College Band Directors National Association, Louisiana Music Educators Association, Music Educators National Conference, National Band Association, Louisiana Bandmasters' Association, Phi Beta Mu, and holds honorary memberships in Kappa Kappa Psi, Tau Beta Sigma, and Phi Mu Alpha.