Professor, Music
GERARD MORRIS joined University of Puget Sound School of Music faculty in fall 2009, and currently serves as director of bands and department chair for winds and percussion. In 2016, he was honored as the recipient of the President’s Excellence in Teaching Award, and in 2022 was promoted to the rank of full professor. Morris earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in music from Western Michigan University, a Master of Music Education degree from University of Colorado at Boulder, and a Doctor of Music degree in conducting from Northwestern University.
In addition to serving as the conductor and artistic director of the esteemed Tacoma Concert Band, Morris’s credits also include conducting appearances with the Southwest Washington Wind Symphony, University of Georgia JanFest, South Dakota State University Wind Symphony, British Columbia Music Educators Association Honor Band, Lower Columbia River Music Educators Association Honor Band, Midwest Clinic, College Band Directors National Association Western/Northwestern Division Conferences, Washington Music Educators Association State Conference, California Music Educators Association Bay Section Conference, Colorado Music Festival at Chautauqua, Steamboat Strings Music in the Mountains Summer Music Festival, Heartland Marimba Festival, West Valley Winds Workshop (Canmore, Alberta), Calgary Summer Band Workshop, and as featured conductor on composer Neil Thornock's compact disc recording Between the Lines, a project that Morris also co-produced.
In addition, he has appeared as guest clinician/lecturer at the CBDNA National Conference, CBDNA Western/Northwestern Division Conference, WMEA State Conference, CMEA Bay Section Conference, South Dakota Bandmasters Conference, University of North Carolina at Greensboro New Music Festival, Northwestern University Conducting and Wind Symposium, and University of British Columbia Wind Conducting Symposium. Morris was also honored as keynote speaker for the Anchorage School District Professional Development In-Service, and guest artist in residence at American Community School (Abu Dhabi/Dubai, United Arab Emirates), Iowa State University, Xavier University, California State Polytechnic University Pomona, St. George's School (Vancouver, British Columbia), and West Point Grey Academy (Vancouver, British Columbia).
Morris's conducting and teaching are informed by years of professional performing experience as principal euphonium with the Boulder Brass and United States Marine Corps Band, Hawai’i. With these organizations he toured the United States, Australia, and Costa Rica as both an ensemble member and soloist.