Dr. Tonya Mitchell-Spradlin
, current assistant director of bands and associate director of athletic bands at the University of South Carolina, has been appointed director of wind band studies in the Penn State School of Music, effective August 15, 2020.
Dr. Mitchell-Spradlin is engaged in the creation of new music for wind band, and has participated in numerous consortiums and world premieres to promote and develop the wind band medium. She is highly sought after as a clinician, adjudicator and conductor across the country. Her research is published internationally, and she is a regular presenter at national and international band and music education conferences.
Dr. Mitchell-Spradlin holds a master of music education from the University of Georgia and doctor of musical arts from the University of Kansas. She received her bachelor of music education from Indiana University, and then served as director of bands at Chamblee Charter High School in Chamblee, Georgia, before pursuing her graduate studies. Prior to her current position, she was the associate director of bands at Valdosta State University. Dr. Mitchell-Spradlin serves as national vice president for professional relations for Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority.
“I am very excited and honored to work alongside the talented students and illustrious faculty at Penn State,” said Dr. Mitchell-Spradlin. “I look forward to continuing the tradition of exceptional music making with a team that is first and foremost student centered.”
