Our Directors
Courtney Snyder was appointed Music Director of the Nebraska Wind Symphony in November, 2009. Courtney has vast experience as a performer on trombone, strings as well as a vocalist!
Ms. Snyder completed her Doctorate of Musical Arts degree in conducting at the University of Michigan where she studied with Michael Haithcock. She is currently the Assistant Professor, Assistant Director of Bands at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. As Director of Athletic Bands, her responsibilities include directing the Maverick Marching Band and overseeing the university pep band "Maverick Horns." She also directs the University Band, teaches conducting and music education courses, and guest conducts the Symphonic Wind Ensemble.
Snyder taught in the public schools of Michigan for six years in both middle and high school. She received her Master of Music degree in conducting from Baylor University and her Bacholor of Science in Music Education degree from Indiana University of Pennslyvania where she studied with Jack Stamp. She is published in Teaching Music Through Performance in Band, Vol. 3.
Dr. Snyder has attended numerous conducting workshops and is a member of the College Band Directors National Association, World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles, Conductors Guild, College Music Society, Nebraska Music Educators Association, Music Educators National Association, Tau Beta Sigma, and Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honorary Society.
Courtney can be reached via email at cksnyder@unomaha.edu.
Chris Tucker, the Associate Director, is in her 23rd year in the Gretna Public Schools and is currently Director of Middle School Bands. She received her Bachelor of Music in Education (1987), with Highest Distinction, and her Master of Music (1992) from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. In 1993, Chris was awarded the Jack R. Snider Young Band Director Award, and in March of 2004, she received a Distinguished Service Award from the Nebraska State Bandmasters Association for serving on its Executive Board for nine years in the role of Treasurer. Chris has presented clinics at both the Nebraska Music Educators Conference and the Nebraska State Bandmasters Association conventions. In addition, she is a frequent adjudicator for many area contests and guest conductor and clinician for regional schools and honor band festivals. Chris has been the Nebraska Wind Symphony Associate Conductor for the past ten concert seasons. Other professional organizations include Nebraska State Education Association, National Band Association, and Phi Beta Mu, an international honorary society for band directors.
Chris may be reached via email at ctucker@gretnadragons.org.