High School Band Clinician
2024-25
Shawn Knopp
Shawn M. Knopp serves as Assistant Professor of Music Education, Director of Bands and Music Education Program Director at Friends University in Wichita, Kansas. At Friends, he conducts the Concert Band, Woodwind Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, and the Falcon Beat Basketball Band. Additionally, he teaches courses in music education, conducting, instrumental methods, and advises the collegiate chapter of the National Association for Music Education. Outside of his university duties, Shawn is in demand as an honor band conductor, clinician, and adjudicator throughout the region.
Prior to his appointment at Friends University, Shawn was an Associate Professor of Music and Director of Bands at Tabor College where he oversaw all aspects of the instrumental music program. He has also served on the faculties of McPherson College, Central Christian College and Bethany College. He has extensive public-school teaching experience which includes service as Director of Bands for the Smoky Valley Public Schools in Lindsborg, Kansas from 2005-2016, where he taught grades 5-12. He also served as Director of Bands for the Solomon Public Schools from 2003-2005.
Shawn earned his Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Music in Wind Band Conducting degrees from Kansas State University, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a Music Education cognate at Kansas State. His professional affiliations include the National Association for Music Education, Kansas Music Educators Association, College Band Directors National Association, Kansas Bandmasters Association, Phi Beta Mu, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
Prior to his appointment at Friends University, Shawn was an Associate Professor of Music and Director of Bands at Tabor College where he oversaw all aspects of the instrumental music program. He has also served on the faculties of McPherson College, Central Christian College and Bethany College. He has extensive public-school teaching experience which includes service as Director of Bands for the Smoky Valley Public Schools in Lindsborg, Kansas from 2005-2016, where he taught grades 5-12. He also served as Director of Bands for the Solomon Public Schools from 2003-2005.
Shawn earned his Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Music in Wind Band Conducting degrees from Kansas State University, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a Music Education cognate at Kansas State. His professional affiliations include the National Association for Music Education, Kansas Music Educators Association, College Band Directors National Association, Kansas Bandmasters Association, Phi Beta Mu, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.