Daniel Kirk is currently a Doctoral Conducting Assistant at Michigan State University where he studies with Dr. Kevin Sedatole. In June of 2015, Daniel completed a Masters of Music in Wind Conducting at Northwestern University guided by his teacher, Dr. Mallory Thompson. Prior to graduate study, he served as the Director of Bands at Blue Valley West High School in Overland Park, Kansas. His teaching responsibilities included the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Honors Music Theory, and Music Theory. He administered and coordinated all aspects of the Red and Silver Brigade Marching Band. Additionally, he assisted with Concert Band and Freshmen Band. Daniel graduated from Missouri Western State University with a B.S.E. in Instrumental Music Education, Piano Performance Emphasis, in the fall of 2007.
Northwestern University Symphonic Wind Ensemble
Millennium Park - Chicago- May 2014
Daniel was nationally awarded the George N. Parks Leadership in Music Education Award by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) in 2012; he is honored to have led the bands at Blue Valley West! Since beginning teaching, all concert ensembles under his direction have received superior ratings from every judge at every entered festival. The Blue Valley West Symphonic Wind Ensemble was awarded Highest Kansas State Level Honors by the National Foundation for Music Education; this ensemble was also selected to appear in honored performance at the 2013 Kansas State Music Educators' Convention. Daniel has attended conducting symposiums and institutes coached by Mallory Thompson, Craig Kirchhoff, Steve Davis, Kevin Sedatole, Eugene Corporon, Michael Haithcock, and James Jordan. He credits mentors Dr. David Bennett (piano), Jane Wheat (piano), Dr. Craig Miller, and Avian Bear.
Traveling across the country each summer, Daniel serves as a conducting faculty member for high school drum major academies; he has also served as a faculty member at Music for All's annual Summer Symposium at Ball State University. Daniel judges winter guards each year as a member of the Mid-Continent Judging Association. Daniel toured with the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps, serving in the percussion section in 2004 and in the color guard in 2005; he also served as the front ensemble coordinator at Lee’s Summit North High School. Marching band adjudication and design consultation have been key areas in his professional experiences.
With a passion for non-profit work, Daniel also served on the Board of Directors for the PerformOUT Kansas City youth performance ensemble for two years. Daniel is passionate about fostering student success and excitement through music! His 'band family' at Blue Valley West was very special to him; it was an honor to serve many wonderful students as their teacher and mentor. Professional memberships include CBNDA, KMEA, KBA, NAfME.