Mark Knauss

Music education alumnus Mark Knauss awarded prestigious American Prize in Conducting

By Brett Buckner

Mark Knauss, a 2016 graduate of Jacksonville State University (Jax State) with a degree in music education, has been awarded the prestigious American Prize in Conducting for the Band/Wind Ensemble (schools division). The American Prize is recognized as the nation's most comprehensive series of competitions in the performing arts.  

"It was a wonderful experience and very humbling to be included with so many other fantastic conductors and educators," Knauss said. "The goal is always to continue my growth as a musician and educator, to be the best version of myself for my students."  

Knauss is currently the Director of Bands at Hewitt-Trussville High School in Trussville, 
Ala., where he also directs the Marching Husky Band, Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Ensemble One. He earned his Master of Arts in Music Education from Jax State in 2018, having studied conducting with Dr. Ken Bodiford and Dr. Jeremy Stovall. "I was fortunate to be surrounded by passionate educators who supported my interests," Knauss said. "It's something I've always aspired to do with my students."  

Knauss credits Jax State professors Dr. Bodiford and Dr. Stovall for helping him develop as a conductor and educator. "They are two of the very best, especially when it comes to rehearsing and getting the most out of their students and ensembles," he said. "Their influence helped me develop my own style of conducting and has been invaluable in my doctoral studies."  

Growing up in Rome, Ga., Knauss' family always supported his musical interests. He attended Rome High School and participated in the school's marching band. However, it wasn't until he attended a high school band competition hosted at Jax State that his passion for music found its true direction. That's when he first saw the famous Marching Southerners.  

"The Marching Southerners is what sold me on attending JSU," Knauss said. "It was one of the best choices I could have made."  

The American Prize, founded in 2010, is awarded annually in various areas of the performing arts. It aims to recognize the best performing artists, directors, ensembles, and composers in the United States at the professional, college/university, community, and high school levels. Prizes are awarded based on submitted recordings.  

Knauss is currently a doctoral candidate at William Carey University, working on a Doctorate of Arts in Music Education with a concentration in Wind Conducting. Dr. Wes Dykes is his doctoral conducting professor. Knauss’ bands have performed at national events, including the 100th Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade. He has also helped organize and arrange bands for major events, such as the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament in Indianapolis, IN. He currently resides in Birmingham, Ala., with his wife, Katy.