Julie Bounds is currently the Director of Bands at Henry D. Sheldon High School in Eugene, Oregon. She is a proud alumna of the University of Oregon, where she graduated magna cum laud with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. She also completed a Masters of Music Education degree from Northwestern University with an emphasis in conducting and instrumental education.

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Julie Bounds was recognized in 2007 as Jazz Educator of the Year by the San Jose Jazz Society. She served on the board of directors for the Santa Clara County Band Directors Association, CMEA Bay Section Board of Directors, CBDA Special Projects Team, and served as the Executive Director and Concert Band Conductor of the Summer in the City Music Camp at San Jose State University. As a percussionist, Ms. Bounds has performed throughout the San Francisco Bay Area including regular appearances with the Chabot Wind Symphony, West Valley Jazz Orchestra, San Jose Wind Symphony, Master Sinfonia Orchestra, and Octobop Jazz Octet.

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In her spare time, Ms. Bounds has a blog focusing on the daily trials and tribulations of being a high school band director and trying to run a program on a “thrifty” budget. You can read her “Thrifty Band Director” blog at http://thethriftybanddirector.blogspot.com. In addition to presenting on the topics of composition and improvisation, Ms. Bounds also enjoys speaking about the practical challenges of teaching percussion and integrating technology into the large ensemble setting and on the importance of intentionally programming music for our school ensembles from a diverse set of composers and musical inspiration. Ms. Bounds also has contributed to the GIA publication, “Musicianship. Composing in Band and Orchestra.” (2013).