Henderson names Popp director of bands
Henderson State University has appointed Dr. Shaun Popp as director of bands. Popp has served as assistant director of bands and coordinator of music education at Henderson since 2013.
“We are so excited and proud for Dr. Popp to take direction of the band program at Henderson,” said Dr. William Higgins, chair of the music department. “He has played a part in all decision making for Henderson bands in the last six years, and has always provided wonderful insight and knowledge. He will make a superb director of bands, and will expertly mentor a whole new generation of Reddies.”
Popp has led the Showband of Arkansas and the Wind Ensemble since the departure of Dr. Steve Knight earlier this year. He also served as interim director during the 2015-2016 academic year.
"I am thrilled to be named director of bands at Henderson and would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the students, faculty, and alumni for their support during this transition,” Popp said. “Henderson is truly ‘the school with the heart’ and I am honored to continue the long-standing legacy of the Henderson band program."
Acting Henderson President Elaine Kneebone said, “Dr. Popp has demonstrated his dedication to the success of our students. I am grateful for his commitment to the university and his leadership. Dr. Popp has announced at many performances that the Showband of Arkansas epitomizes the university's motto of ‘Excellence, Spirit, and Tradition.’
“I believe he epitomizes those attributes of the Reddie Spirit, as well. I congratulate Dr. Popp and look forward to watching him lead the Showband to even greater heights.”
Prior to his appointment at Henderson in 2013, Popp taught instrumental music for 10 years in public schools in Kentucky, and was the music director and conductor of the River Cities Concert Band and Voices of Kentuckiana Community Chorus.
An ongoing advocate for community music, Popp was the charter conductor for the Saline County Community Orchestra in Benton, and is currently the director of Traditional Worship Music at First United Methodist Church in Bryant.
Popp is an active conductor, clinician, and adjudicator, and presents research regularly at international, national, state, and regional conferences.
Popp received a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Morehead State University, a Master of Music in Wind Conducting degree from the University of Louisville, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education and Wind Conducting degree from Florida State University.
He currently oversees the music education curriculum at Henderson, manages the Music Teacher Internship Program, and is the faculty sponsor for the University’s National Association for Music Education Collegiate Chapter.