Joseph Labuta

Joseph Labuta is Professor Emeritus of Music and former Associate Chair of the Music Department and Director of Music Education at Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan where he taught graduate and undergraduate courses in music education and conducting. He has also served as a conductor of bands, orchestras and choirs at the public school and college levels. Joe earned a BME Degree from Central College (MO) and an ME in Music Education from the University of Missouri. He was appointed Fellow in Music at the University of Illinois and completed his Doctorate there in 1965. Joe has been a teacher of conducting at the University level since 1963, and he has lectured, led workshops and written extensively on conducting bands and orchestras. The 6th edition of his conducting textbook, Basic Conducting Techniques, was released by Prentice Hall in February, 2009. His first book, Teaching Musicianship in the High School Band, is a seminal work in its area. As a trumpet player, he holds the jazz chair in two area big bands. Joe and wife Mary started the Saline New Horizons Band in the summer of 2004, growing from twelve to over sixty members. Mary is a camper, playing clarinet and bass clarinet.  Joe will be conducting Band 3 and teaching Brass Chamber Music.