John L. Whitwell is Director of bands, Professor of Music and Chair of the Conducting Area at Michigan State University, where he conducts the Wind Symphony and guides the graduate degree programs in Wind Conducting. Prior to his appointment at Michigan State University, Professor Whitwell held positions at Stephen F. Austin University and Abilene Christian Unversity. He also taught in the public schools of Michigan as band director at Ann Arbor Pioneer and Jackson Northwest high schools.