Candidate Marc Decker
Florida Atlantic University
Associate Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands
Biographical Statement
Marc Decker is the Associate Director of Bands, Director of Athletic Bands, and an Associate Professor of Music at Florida Atlantic University where he directs the Marching Owls, ‘Parliament Sound’ Pep Band, and Symphony Band, and teaches courses in conducting and music education. A dedicated member of the College Band Directors National Association for more than 10 years, he values the organization’s commitment to professional growth, collaboration, mentorship, and service to the band profession.
Through his continued involvement with CBDNA, he has presented sessions at four Athletic Band Symposiums and another at the most recent Southern Regional Division Conference.
Decker earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from University of Illinois and both a MA and DMA in conducting from University of Iowa. He remains active nationally as a clinician and presenter, with scholarship and service dedicated to supporting music educators and advancing band programs. He is a Past President of the Florida College Music Educators Association, previously advocating at the state level for stronger connections amongst college music teachers.
Vision for the Future of CBDNA
My vision for the College Band Directors National Association is that it continues to honor the rich tradition of the band profession while actively shaping its future through collaboration, scholarship, innovation, and service. One of CBDNA’s greatest strengths is its ability to unite a diverse community of conductors, educators, and scholars who represent every facet of the collegiate band experience. It serves as a much-needed professional home for those dedicated to collegiate wind bands and as a collective voice advocating for the advancement of our profession.
Having worked as a college band director since my first adjunct position in 2012, I understand many of the challenges facing our field. Early in my career, I sought mentorship, guidance, and a sense of belonging, all of which I found through CBDNA’s conferences, symposiums, and professional community. Today, as higher education continues to evolve, I still look to CBDNA as a source of thoughtful dialogue, advocacy, resources, and continued support. I envision an organization that continues to champion belonging and inclusion as guiding principles, ensuring that every member feels empowered to bring their best selves to their students, colleagues, and institutions.
Our profession has always been driven by the passion, creativity, and dedication of the people who devote their lives to it. With belonging at its core and an engaged, diverse membership strengthening its mission, CBDNA can continue to advance the study and performance of wind band music through meaningful scholarship, open discourse, and insightful innovation. I envision a CBDNA that continues to thrive by supporting its members and advancing the artform, so that those members can in turn prepare the next generation of music educators and conductors to lead with integrity, empathy, musicianship, and purpose.