J. STEVEN MOORE, DMA

 

J. Steven Moore is honored to be the Music Director and Conductor of the Naples Concert Band, carrying forward a rich legacy of excellence. His goal is to maintain and expand the tradition of providing exceptional musical and social experiences for audiences and musicians in the region. Throughout his career, Steven has led various ensembles, including adult bands and orchestras in Kentucky, Colorado, Missouri, and Miami, Florida. For the past six years, Steven has served as a regular guest conductor for the highly-acclaimed Greater Miami Symphonic Bands. 

 

Born and raised near Lexington, Kentucky, Steven attended Lafayette HS before pursuing music education at the University of South Carolina. There, he specialized in trumpet performance and earned a performer's certificate. He began his academic journey as the Assistant Director of Bands at the University of Kentucky from 1982 to 1986, overseeing the symphonic band, marching band, pep band, and jazz ensemble II. Following that, he spent a decade teaching at his alma mater, Lafayette HS, Jessie Clark MS, and Picadome ES School from 1986 to 1996. From 1996 to 2000, he served as the conductor and music director of the Central Kentucky Youth Orchestras while pursuing his DMA in conducting at the University of Kentucky. For a year, he filled the role of interim Director of Orchestras at UK during a conductor search.

 

In 2000, Steven moved to Fort Collins, Colorado, to become the Director of Bands at Colorado State University until 2010. During his tenure, he guest conducted the Rocky Mountain Youth Orchestra, the Fort Collins Symphony Orchestra, and the Fort Collins Wind Symphony. Additionally, he ventured into academic administration as Assistant Director of the Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance, where he co-chaired the graduate studies committee. His administrative journey continued as Chair for the Department of Music at the University of Central Missouri (2010-2013) and later as Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies at the Frost School of Music, University of Miami (2013-2023). In his role at the Frost School, he supervised curriculum, scholarships, and academic success for 500 undergraduate students across 14 degree programs. Now, after 41 rewarding years in academia, Steven is thrilled to conclude his academic career and embrace his appointment as Conductor and Music Director of the Naples Concert Band.

 

A member of the American Bandmasters Association, Steven has contributed to the organization as a Board of Directors member. Under his direction, the Lafayette HS Band achieved numerous accolades, including performances at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic, the Sudler Shield, appearances in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and 6 State Marching Band Championships. He was recognized as the Kentucky High School Teacher of the Year by the Department of Education and was honored with the William Butler Award for Administrative Excellence at the University of Miami. Additionally, Steven authored the book "Play It From the Heart: What you learn from music about success in life," published by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). To learn more, visit www.PlayItFromtheHeart.com.

 

Steven resides in Miromar Lakes, Florida, with his wife, Kimberly Sena Moore, Ph.D., and their children, Jameson (16) and Lorian (14).