Dr. Kate Ferguson

Lecturer and Director of Athletic Bands
Dr. Kate Ferguson - profile photo

Dr. Kate Ferguson

Lecturer

Dana School of Music & University Theatre

Bliss Hall 3154

phone: (330) 941-1834

keferguson@ysu.edu

Bio

Dr. Kate Ferguson is the Director of Athletic Bands at Youngstown State University. Currently in her twenty-fifth year as an educator, Ferguson previously taught in the Akron Public, Crestwood Local and Cuyahoga Falls City School Districts. Additionally, she has served as a faculty member at The College of Wooster, Southeast Missouri State University, Kent State University. She holds a Bachelors in Music Education degree from Kent State University, a Masters in Music Education Degree from the University of Akron, and a Ph.D. in Music Education from Kent State University.

Under her direction, Ferguson’s ensembles consistently earn superior ratings at both district and state Ohio Music Education Association Events. Her ensembles have been invited to perform at the International Music Festival at the Kennedy Center for the performing arts, the Northeast Ohio Band Invitational at Severance Hall, the Ohio Music Education Association Professional Conference, the Magnificent Mile Light Parade, and the Fort-McDowell Fiesta Bowl Parade. Additionally, her performing groups are highly involved in community performances and events within the Northeast Ohio area.

Ferguson recently presented sessions at the 2022 Ohio Music Education Association PD Conference, and on Sight Reading at the 2021 Kentucky Music Education Association Conference, the 2018 Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, and the 2019 OMEA Professional Development Conference. Additionally, Ferguson has presented her research on several occasions at the Research Roundtable, and Poster Session associated with the OMEA Professional Development Conference. She has spoken about sight reading and concert preparation during instruction improvement days in the Akron Public Schools. Ferguson is published in Contributions to Music Education, and the TRIAD.

Ferguson is an active member of the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA). Her service to OMEA includes adjudication and hosting High School Solo & Ensemble Events. In addition, she has been a frequent member of the Professional Conference Planning Committee, has served as the All State Band Chair, and Past-President of District VI. She is an active clinician and guest conductor throughout Ohio and the Northeast United States.

Research Interests

Large Ensemble Sight Reading
Student Leadership Development
Sociological Trends within the Ensemble Setting

Teaching Interests

Music Education
Instrumental Music
Research

  • Education
    • 2017

      Ph D, Music Education

      Kent State University

    • 2004

      Other, Music Education, Instrumental Music

      The University of Akron

    • 1998

      Other, Music Education, Instrumental Music

      Kent State University

Headshot

Dr. Kate Ferguson is the Director of Athletic Bands at Youngstown State University.  Currently in her twenty-fourth year as an educator, Ferguson previously taught in the Akron Public, Crestwood Local and Cuyahoga Falls City School Districts.  Additionally, she has served as a faculty member at The College of Wooster, Southeast Missouri State University, Kent State University. She holds a Bachelors in Music Education degree from Kent State University, a Masters in Music Education Degree from the University of Akron, and a Ph.D. in Music Education from Kent State University.

Under her direction, Ferguson’s ensembles consistently earn superior ratings at both district and state Ohio Music Education Association Events. Her ensembles have been invited to perform at the International Music Festival at the Kennedy Center for the performing arts, the Northeast Ohio Band Invitational at Severance Hall, the Ohio Music Education Association Professional Conference, the Magnificent Mile Light Parade, and the Fort-McDowell Fiesta Bowl Parade. Additionally, her performing groups are highly involved in community performances and events within the Northeast Ohio area.

Ferguson recently presented sessions on Sight Reading at the 2021 Kentucky Music Education Association Conference, the 2018 Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, and the 2019 OMEA Professional Development Conference. Additionally, Ferguson has presented her research on several occasions at the Research Roundtable, and Poster Session associated with the OMEA Professional Development Conference. She has spoken about sight reading and concert preparation during instruction improvement days in the Akron Public Schools. Ferguson is published in Contributions to Music Education, and the TRIAD.

Ferguson is an active member of the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA). Her service to OMEA includes adjudication and hosting High School Solo & Ensemble Events. In addition, she has been a frequent member of the Professional Conference Planning Committee, has served as the All State Band Chair, and Past-President of District VI.