Amy Acklin
Amy Acklin serves as Professor of Music and Associate Director of Bands at the University of Louisville where she directs the UofL Symphonic Band, teaches courses in undergraduate conducting and music education, and serves as the Founder and Artistic Director for the Louisville Youth Wind Symphony. Under her direction, the UofL Symphonic Band performed at the 2016 CBDNA Southern Division Conference and the 2023 and 2015 Kentucky Music Educators Association Professional Conference. Previously, Dr. Acklin served for 12 years as the Director of the UofL Cardinal Marching Band and taught middle and high school band for six years in the California public schools.
Dr. Acklin is an active conductor, clinician, and adjudicator throughout the country. She serves as the CBDNA Southern Division President-Elect, the National Band Association KY State Chair, is a member of the John Philip Sousa Foundation Legion of Honor Committee, and an active member of KMEA, having served as the past College/University Chair, NAfME Collegiate State Advisor, University & College Band Directors Association President and Intercollegiate Band Coordinator. Dr. Acklin is the recipient of the 2024 Tau Beta Sigma/Paula Crider Award, the 2023 Phi Beta Mu Psi Chapter Outstanding Bandmaster Award, the 2021 UofL Distinguished Teacher Award, the 2019 KMEA College/University Teacher of the Year Award, the NBA Citation of Excellence and an inductee of the Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity and Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society. In 2024, Dr. Acklin was elected to membership in the prestigious American Bandmasters Association.
Dr. Acklin's research focuses on the wind band repertoire of Grawemeyer-award winning composers. She has publications in The Journal of Band Research, Update: Applications of Research in Music Education, National Band Association Journal, Florida Music Director, and GIA’s “Teaching Music Through Performance in Band” series. Dr. Acklin has presented at international and national conferences, including The Midwest Clinic, the WASBE International Conference, and multiple CBDNA and NAfME national conferences, as well as numerous state conferences. Dr. Acklin holds B.M. and M.M. degrees from the University of Louisville and a Ph.D. in Music Education/Instrumental Conducting from The Florida State University where she was privileged to study with mentors Richard Clary, Patrick Dunnigan, Clifford Madsen, Acton Ostling, Jr., and Frederick Speck.
In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her husband of 25 years, Chad Acklin, and their two amazing children, Adeline (age 13) and William (age 10).