All-State Band
Festival Manager
Eric Nix, Provo High School
Dr. Kirt Saville is currently the Director of the School of Music at Brigham Young University, where he is Professor of Music Education and Associate Director of Bands. Coming from 22 years of experience as the Director of Bands and 16 years as the Chair of the Music Department at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas, Dr. Saville teaches instrumental music education and conducts the Symphonic Band at BYU. Dr. Saville began his career teaching in the public schools for nine years, where he enjoyed a distinguished career in Utah as Director of Bands at Sky View High School and Lehi High School. Dr. Saville holds a Doctor of Education degree from Utah State University, a Master of Music degree in Woodwind Performance from North Texas State University in multiple woodwinds, and a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Brigham Young University.
Dr. Saville is the conductor of the Utah Premiere Brass Band (since 2010) and is a performing member of the Utah Wind Symphony. He has been an invited guest conductor, clinician, and presenter in the United States, the People’s Republic of China (Beijing and Tianjin), and Cochabamba, Bolivia. In 2004, Dr. Saville was invited to the People’s Republic of China to serve as the conductor for the band and orchestra programs at the University of Tianjin. He returned to conduct, perform, and teach in the People’s Republic of China in 2007, 2010, and 2011. In 2013, Dr. Saville initiated a summer music internship program in Bolivia. This internship provides opportunities for Brigham Young University students to teach orchestral instruments in private and small group settings under the auspices of the Fundación Sinfónica Cochabamba, Bolivia.
With a clear focus on the development of practical applications for teaching instrumental ensembles, his articles have appeared in the Music Educators Journal, The Instrumentalist, BD Guide, Kansas Music Review, and the Utah Music Educators Journal. Dr. Saville’s 40+ years as a music educator has confirmed the power of music to transform, inspire and lift individuals, groups and communities. He believes that music gives voice and provides access to our deepest emotional lives where beauty, sorrows, remembrances, and joy reside. He is grateful for a career that allows him to smell musical flowers each day and where he has the opportunity to open new vistas of beauty to and with his students.
Dr. Saville’s greatest joy is found when he is with his sweetheart, surrounded by his five amazing children with their wonderful spouses, and eighteen extraordinary grandchildren who are well above average. He loves the out-of-doors and the profound impact it has upon his life and soul. He is greatly honored and delighted by the invitation to conduct the 2020 Utah All-State Band.
