Erin Keeton-Howard, (she, her)Erin Keeton-Howard is a Seattle-based educator, conductor, and composer. Community music, and the formation of community through making music, is at the heart of her research interests, educational philosophy, and personal passion. Erin is delighted to engage in this adventure through her work as a guest conductor/composer/clinician and through her recently released book: “Women in Wind Band” published in December 2023 by GIA Publications, Inc. This text is written from the experience of women to foster a more authentic and inclusive future for everyone in the field.
Serving as Director of Bands at The Northwest School and Director of bands at North Seattle College, Erin is currently in her 15th year of teaching. She is a multi-year nominee for Teacher of the Year and has been awarded the Sigma Alpha Iota Leadership Award. In 2020 her wind ensemble at Inglewood Middle School was selected to perform at the National Association for Music Education Northwest Region conference. While teaching, Erin maintains an active role in community music. She is a director and founder of Formation Wind Band, Seattle’s all-women wind ensemble. Formation has the honor of performing at the upcoming 2024 Washington Music Educators Association conference. Previous community music involvement includes serving on the artistic staff of Rainbow City Performing Arts and founding the Give Back Brass Band. |
Erin discovered composing during the pandemic. She enjoys writing music for all levels but is particularly passionate about writing quality music for student musicians to nurture developing skills and specific idiosyncrasies for each instrument. Erin is actively commissioned to write music for ensembles all over the country. Her works include compositions for concert, jazz, pep, and brass bands as well as various chamber ensembles. Erin’s music is published with Murphy Music Press, Carl Fisher, and Randall Standridge Music Publications. To view her catalog, visit www.ekhmusic.com/music.
Erin graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri (B.S. in music education) and the University of Washington (M.A. in music education, emphasis instrumental conducting). She has studied conducting with Tim Salzman, Dr. Mallory Thompson, Dr. Chris Bianco, Dr. Tony Maiello, Dr. Emily Moss, and Dr. Steven Davis. Erin is a member of the National Association for Music Education, National Band Association, World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles. Washington Music Educators Association, and Sigma Alpha Iota International Women’s Music Fraternity.
In addition to her musical pursuits, Erin is passionate about travel, cooking, the PNW coast, and sudoku. Erin resides in Mountlake Terrace, WA with her wife Felicia and two lovable pups, Tucker and Edna Boone.
Erin graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri (B.S. in music education) and the University of Washington (M.A. in music education, emphasis instrumental conducting). She has studied conducting with Tim Salzman, Dr. Mallory Thompson, Dr. Chris Bianco, Dr. Tony Maiello, Dr. Emily Moss, and Dr. Steven Davis. Erin is a member of the National Association for Music Education, National Band Association, World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles. Washington Music Educators Association, and Sigma Alpha Iota International Women’s Music Fraternity.
In addition to her musical pursuits, Erin is passionate about travel, cooking, the PNW coast, and sudoku. Erin resides in Mountlake Terrace, WA with her wife Felicia and two lovable pups, Tucker and Edna Boone.
Current Projects:
Founders and directors Erin Keeton-Howard and Anne Kreider-Hughes established Formation Wind Band in 2018 as an exclusive opportunity for women to create, collaborate, and build community through music. Formation is an ensemble made up of musicians from the Seattle area that gather for five rehearsals and annual performance. It is both a high-caliber music experience and an affinity space for women in the Seattle area. To learn more, visit www.formationwindband.com. |
Written as a guide for discussion and reflection amongst music educators, Women in Wind Band thoughtfully looks at why female-identifying band directors are still a minority in the field and what can be done about it. Centered on the experiences and wisdom of women in the field, the book is divided into three parts:
Part I features essays by five professionals who explore best practice and contemporary issues. Part II focuses on lived experiences presented through interviews with nineteen women representing many identities and intersecting identities, including women of various ages, races, ethnicities, orientations, years of experience, and levels of instruction. After examining traditions, assessing current practices, and reflecting on lived experiences, Part III is a call to action, providing ideas and resources for shaping and supporting a future that is inclusive and sustainable--not only for women but for everyone in the field. As the profession evolves, Women in Wind Band encourages readers with any level of experience to explore healthier practices and deepen their understanding through authenticity, community, and advocacy. |