Dr. Tom O'Neal, Director of Bands
Dr. Thomas O’Neal is the Director of Bands at the University of Missouri. He conducts the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, teaches graduate conducting courses, and guides all aspects of the MU band program, which includes seven performing ensembles.
The University of Missouri Symphonic Wind Ensemble released their first compact disc, Traditions and Classics, in 2003. The CD includes the wax cylinders of Percy Aldridge Grainger’s 1905-1908 recordings of English folksingers performing the music upon which he based his band classic Lincolnshire Posy. In addition to Lincolnshire Posy, the CD features the music of Vittorio Giannini, Camille Saint-Saens, and J. S. Bach.
During Dr. O’Neal’s tenure Arkansas State University, the University Wind Ensemble released their first compact disc, Visions, in 1995. The CD featured the music of Arkansas band composers and received critical acclaim for “fine playing...high musical integrity and energy.” Their second compact disc, ...nite ridin’ on da riva, was released in 1997. In 1998, the Wind Ensemble released a live recording of their performance at the College Band Directors National Association conference. The performance featured the music of Pulitzer prize-winning composer Karel Husa, including Apotheosis of This Earth and Concertino for Piano and Winds. The performance was acknowledged by the composer as “one of the finest live performance of my music that I have ever experienced.”
Ensembles under Dr. O’Neal’s direction have been featured at state, regional, and national music conferences. In 2006, The University of Missouri Symphonic Wind Ensemble was featured at the Missouri Music Educators Association Conference and the College Band Directors National Association Conference. Additionally, Dr. O’Neal maintains an active schedule as a guest conductor and clinician, having appeared with bands and orchestras throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, and South America.
A native Iowan, Dr. O’Neal received a bachelor of music education degree from Iowa State University in Ames, the master of music degree from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, and the doctor of musical arts degree in conducting from the University of Arizona in Tucson.
Dr. Michael Knight, Associate Director of Bands, Director of Marching Mizzou
Dr. Michael Knight serves as Associate Director of Bands at the University of Missouri-Columbia. His responsibilities include directing Marching Mizzou, Mini Mizzou, and supervising all athletic band activities, in addition to conducting the Symphonic Band and teaching sourses in conducting and marching band techniques. Dr. Knight has an extensive background in both concert and marching band performance and education, and has served as a clinician and adjudicator throughout the Southeast and Midwest.
Dr. Knight earned his bachelor of science degree in music education from the University of Missouri-Columbia, a master of music degree in conducting from the University of Georgia, and the doctor of musical arts degree in band conducting from the University of Iowa, where he studied with Dr. Myron Welch.
Dr. Knight has served on the band staff of the University of Georgia and the University of Iowa, working closely with all aspects of these band programs while teaching courses in conducting, music theory, and music education He has designed marching band programs for many major bowl games, including the Orange Bowl and the Music City Bowl. He also served as conductor of the Southeast Iowa Concert Band based at Iowa Wesleyan College in Mt. Pleasant, IA. Prior to his collegiate teaching career, Dr. Knight taught public school music in both the Columbia and St. Louis areas.
Dr. Knight has performed on bass trombone with both the Missouri Chamber Orchestra and the Cedar Rapids Symphony. He was also a member of the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps from Madison, WI.