Dr. Jon Sweet

Dr. Jon Sweet is the Director of Athletic Bands and Associate Director of Bands at Washington State University (WSU), where his primary responsibilities include conducting the Symphonic Band and leading the university’s concert and athletic band programs. A committed wind band conductor and educator, he is known for cultivating expressive, ensemble-centered music-making and fostering strong musical growth in student performers.

Dr. Sweet holds a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Kentucky (2019), where his dissertation, John Mackey’s Wine-Dark Sea: Symphony for Band: A Discourse and Analysis of John Mackey’s Symphony for Band, explored the structure, narrative, and musical language of one of the most significant contemporary works for wind ensemble. He also earned a Master of Music in Wind Band Conducting from Stephen F. Austin State University (2013) and a Bachelor of Music Education from Abilene Christian University (2004).

In addition to his work with WSU’s concert ensembles, Dr. Sweet maintains an active guest conducting schedule, frequently directing honor bands and serving as a clinician for concert ensembles across the country. He has been an advocate for new music throughout his career, collaborating on commissioning projects to expand repertoire for wind bands at all levels.

While his primary focus is conducting and concert band education, Dr. Sweet is also well known for his extensive contributions to the marching arts. He has designed more than 300 shows and adjudicates marching bands nationwide. His visual designs have appeared at major high school events, including Bands of America Regionals, Super Regionals, and Grand Nationals, as well as in college football conferences such as the SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12, WAC, Sun Belt, and Conference USA.

Dr. Sweet is the owner of Sweet Marching, a company dedicated to supporting music educators through concert and marching ensemble services, including program design, drill design, adjudication, leadership training, clinics, and educator mentorship. He also serves as an Artist Educator for Jupiter Instruments and Pygraphics, Inc. (Pyware).

Prior to joining WSU, he served as the Associate Director of the All-American Marching Band and Assistant Director of Bands at Purdue University and worked for 11 years as a public school band director in Texas.

Throughout his career, Dr. Sweet has remained dedicated to elevating the artistry and effectiveness of wind band performance. His work continues to support and inspire concert and marching ensembles nationwide.

Educational Affiliations

Artist Educator for Jupiter Instruments, KHS America

Educational Artist for Pygraphics, Inc.