Dwight A. Fontenot
Band Director
A percussionist and music educator, Dwight Fontenot earned his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of North Texas and his Master of Music degree from the University of South Florida. For over two decades he has directed bands from middle school to the university level throughout the United States.
As an educator, Dwight’s ensembles have consistently received superior ratings in marching, concert, and jazz competitions including six 1st place drum line titles. He officially endorses Innovative Percussion, Inc. and published a rehearsal method book, Drum Line Methodology. He has served as a clinician and judge throughout the United States, as well as a seasonal judge on the Gulf Coast Indoor Circuit in 2008-2009. He has studied with Paul Rennick, Tom Float, Ed Soph, Dr. Brian West, Eugene Corporon, Dr. Robert Schietroma, Leigh Howard Stevens, Jim Chapin, Cloyd Duff, Ron Fink, Rick Dior and many others. Dwight marched with the Sky Ryders Drum and Bugle Corps snare line for two years, serving as section leader of the drum line his final year. He also marched on the University of North Texas snare line from 1994-1996, receiving 1st place titles at Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) in 1994 and 1996. He has performed with the Great Falls Symphony, Montgomery Symphony Orchestra, Harold Nichols Big Band, Pete Wilson Trio, the University of Great Falls Jazz Band, and various other rock and funk bands. He has had the privilege of sharing the stage with the Brubeck Brothers, Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg, The Diamonds, Scott Piper, and many others.
He currently freelances as a percussion arranger, performs with the City of Fairfax Swing Band, and is the Director of Bands at C.D. Hylton High School in Woodbridge, Virginia.
