HAMMOND, La. – Southeastern Louisiana University has hired Stephen Morman as the new Director of Athletic Bands and Associate Director of Bands. He is coming to Southeastern from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.

Morman is finishing his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Music Teaching and Learning at the USC Thornton School of Music, where he serves as a graduate teaching assistant. Prior to his time at USC, Morman spent nine years teaching in the Texas public school system as both an associate director of bands and director of bands at Athens High School in Athens, Tex. He received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in both K-12 Music Education and Wind Band Conducting from Stephen F. Austin State University. 

"Mr. Morman is also a collegiate and professional football enthusiast, who is looking forward to helping enhance the gameday environment at Southeastern through his work with the athletic bands," said Music and Performing Arts Interim Department Head Logan Place. "He is committed to providing his students with the best possible college band experience while also striving for excellence in the marching arts. He is excited to work with the students and faculty at Southeastern and is eager to meet everyone as soon as possible."

While teaching in Texas, Morman also served on multiple adjudication panels for both the Texas Music Educators Association and the Association of Texas Small School Bands all-state auditions, as well as several local solo and small-ensemble events hosted by surrounding school districts in East Texas. He also taught at the Stephen F. Austin State University Summer Band Camps as a tuba/euphonium masterclass teacher and low brass/low reeds sectional teacher.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Morman contributed to a program called "The Virtual Band Hall," where band directors in East Texas compiled practice materials for students while on lockdown in an effort to promote musical learning during a very difficult and isolating time in history. 

Morman has held several positions with the USC School of Music during his time in California, including sectional technician with the USC and "Spirit of Troy" Trojan Marching Band and graduate teaching assistant for the musicology department's "Electronic Music and Dance Culture" course. He has also performed with the USC Thornton Winds, sitting principal euphonium on multiple occasions, and performing the U.S. premiere of John Stevens "Grand Concerto for Four Tubas" (arranged for wind band) with members of the USC Tuba-Euphonium Quartet.

Notable conducting and arranging teachers whom Morman has studied with include Larry Livingston, Sharon Lavery, Jacob Vogel, Fred J. Allen, and David Campo. His most recent concert took place in April with the USC Brass Choir, performing works from Giovanni Santos, Eric Ewazen, Morten Lauridsen, and Percy Grainger.

Outside of USC, Morman also conducted and performed with the Camarillo Community Band in California for their Summer Series in 2023 and 2024.