UNLV Division of Wind Band Studies

05/12/2026

The Star of Nevada Marching Band is GROWING and is seeking an Athletic Bands Assistant!

Temporary 6-Month Appointment
Appointment Period: July 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026

Location: University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Department: School of Music / College of Fine Arts

Position Overview
The UNLV Athletic Bands program is seeking a highly motivated, energetic, and collaborative individual to serve as the Athletic Bands Assistant for a six-month appointment during the Fall 2026 semester. This position will assist the Director of Athletic Bands in all aspects of administering, teaching, organizing, and executing the athletic band program, including the UNLV “Star of Nevada” Marching Band and Rebel Pep Band.

The Assistant Director will play a key role in supporting student success, enhancing the game day experience, strengthening community relationships, and advancing recruiting efforts throughout Southern Nevada and surrounding regions. The successful candidate must demonstrate strong teaching pedagogy in the marching arts, organizational skills, excellent communication abilities, and a commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive educational environment.

Primary Responsibilities
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

● Assist with planning and ex*****on of all Athletic Bands rehearsals and performances
● Provide instructional leadership during rehearsals, sectionals, and music rehearsals
● Assist with rehearsal and game day logistics, including equipment coordination, attendance, transportation, setup, and operations
● Attend meetings related to Athletic Bands, athletics, campus events, and external partnerships
● Coordinate and maintain communication with student leaders, instructional staff, and graduate assistants
● Support recruiting initiatives through outreach to local and regional band directors, prospective students, and community stakeholders
● Develop and maintain positive relationships with high school band programs
● Assist with planning and ex*****on of off-campus performances, special events, and community appearances
● Write and arrange music for Marching Band and Rebel Pep Band
● Assist with marching drill design, implementation, and field instruction
● Support social media, promotional initiatives, and communication efforts as needed
● Assist with instrument inventory, uniforms, and operational needs of the program
● Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director of Athletic Bands
Required Qualifications
● Bachelor’s degree in Music, Music Education, or a related field
● Experience with marching band instruction and athletic band operations
● Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
● Ability to work evenings, weekends, and a flexible schedule during football season and special events
● Commitment to student engagement and collaborative teamwork
Preferred Qualifications
● Master’s degree in Music or related field
● Experience teaching or assisting with collegiate marching bands
● Experience coordinating large ensemble logistics and operations
● Familiarity with contemporary athletic band and game day entertainment trends
● Experience in recruiting students and building relationships with secondary music educators
● Proficiency with music notation software and drill writing software

Compensation
The salary is $25,000 plus fringe benefits. This is a temporary six-month appointment.

Application Materials
Applicants should submit to Professor Tom Leslie, [email protected]

● Resume or curriculum vitae
● Contact information for two professional references
● Optional supporting materials (arrangements, drill samples, performance videos, etc.)
About UNLV Athletic Bands
The UNLV Athletic Bands program supports a vibrant and growing collegiate athletic environment in one of the nation’s premier entertainment and sports destinations, Las Vegas. UNLV Bands can be seen performing at athletic events, university functions, community engagements, and special events throughout the region. The UNLV Star of Nevada Marching Band has performed on Live with Regis and Kelly, on stage with Lady Antebellum at the 52nd ACM Awards, at the Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) with Dada Life, and recently performed in the public parade attended by thousands of spectators lining the Las Vegas Strip to honor entertainer Bruno Mars.

04/23/2026

Last concert of the season! Come celebrate with the wonderful Foothill High School Wind Symphony and incomparable UNLV Wind Orchestra!

04/13/2026

04/07/2026

04/07/2026

From April 6–12, the UNLV Wind Orchestra, under the direction of Thomas G. Leslie, will undertake a major recording project in collaboration with Parma Recordings, continuing a successful partnership between the two organizations as they work toward the ensemble’s 25th commercial album release. Widely recognized for its high-quality productions and global distribution, Parma has established a strong reputation for championing contemporary composers and producing recordings with leading ensembles and artists across the classical music industry.

The recording program highlights a diverse and contemporary repertoire. Kealaikahiki by Michael-Thomas Foumai, presented in a wind band transcription by Dr. Ocean Akaka, draws on rich cultural narratives rooted in Polynesian history. Caribbean Winds by Giancarlo D’Addona features distinguished brass artists José Sibaja and Domingo Pagliuca, both current members of Boston Brass and internationally recognized for their extensive recording and performance careers across orchestral, chamber, jazz and commercial settings.

Also featured is Banzai Pipeline by Jorge Machain, a high-energy work that blends wind band sonorities with jazz and commercial styles. The piece showcases Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Eric Marienthal, widely known for his work with Chick Corea, the GRP All-Star Big Band, and a prolific career as a solo artist and recording musician.

Joining him is an elite rhythm section: Bernie Dresel, one of Los Angeles’ most in-demand studio drummers, who has toured and recorded extensively with the Brian Setzer Orchestra and Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band; Kevin Axt, a highly sought-after bassist with extensive credits in film, television, and jazz; and Mitch Forman, a Grammy-winning pianist who has been one of the most sought after stage and studio musicians for over 40 years.

This project brings together world-class performers, innovative repertoire, and a premier production team, further solidifying the UNLV Wind Orchestra’s reputation as a leader in wind band performance and recording. The resulting album will stand as both a milestone achievement and a compelling contribution to the contemporary wind band canon.

03/30/2026

James Mepham joins UNLV as an accomplished conductor and educator with extensive experience in both secondary and collegiate settings. He currently serves as Director of Bands at Great Falls High School in Montana, where he leads a comprehensive program of wind, jazz, percussion, and athletic ensembles, and has been recognized with multiple teaching and excellence awards. In addition to his work in the classroom, he is an active adjudicator and clinician, with presentations at regional and national conferences.

Mr. Mepham recently completed a Master of Music in Wind Conducting at Colorado State University, where he served as a graduate teaching assistant and conducted multiple ensembles. He holds bachelor’s degrees in Music Education and Saxophone Performance from the University of Montana. At UNLV, he will pursue the Doctor of Musical Arts in Wind Conducting, and we are thrilled to welcome him to the UNLV community as he continues to grow as a conductor, educator, and leader.

03/25/2026

Xinbo Li joins UNLV with a dynamic and multifaceted background as both a performer and conductor. She holds a bachelor’s degree in music education with a concentration in vocal music from the China Conservatory of Music, where she was a scholarship recipient and earned multiple national awards in both classical voice and piano performance. A versatile musician, Xinbo is proficient in piano, percussion, and clarinet, and brings a lifelong connection to ensemble music through her participation in band programs from elementary through high school. She is currently completing her graduate studies in wind conducting at Brigham Young University and is a member of the prestigious Phi Kappa Phi honor society.

At UNLV, Xinbo will pursue advanced study in wind band conducting under Thomas G. Leslie and will serve as a Graduate Assistant in the Division of Wind Band Studies. We are excited to welcome Xinbo to the UNLV community as she continues to grow as a conductor, educator, and artist.

03/13/2026

Kelly Connell joins the University of Nevada, Las Vegas this fall as a Doctoral Graduate Assistant in Wind Conducting. She will be pursuing the DMA in Wind Conducting while serving as a Graduate Teaching Assistant in the Division of Wind Band Studies and Conducting Assistant to Dr. Thomas G. Leslie. Kelly is an accomplished conductor and music educator with more than a decade of experience leading ensembles at multiple levels. In addition to her work on the podium, she is an active clinician, adjudicator, and researcher dedicated to advancing music education and supporting the next generation of musicians. We are thrilled to welcome Kelly to the UNLV community and congratulate her on this exciting next chapter in her professional and artistic journey!

03/09/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CbB3rSvgS/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Celebrating UNLV faculty excellence! 🎶

Thomas Leslie, Director of the Division of Wind Band Studies and Professor of Conducting at the UNLV School of Music, recently conducted the United States Marine Band at the 91st Annual Convention of the American Bandmasters Association in Chicago.

The performance took place on March 6, 2026 at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, featuring trumpet soloist GySgt Tyler Lindsay.

Professor Leslie continues to bring international recognition to the UNLV School of Music through his leadership of the UNLV Wind Orchestra , acclaimed recordings, and collaborations with leading musicians and ensembles around the world.

Congratulations to Professor Leslie on this distinguished appearance!👏

📸 Photos: Official U.S. Marine Corps photos by MSgt Brian Rust.

01/25/2026

With the UNLV Wind Orchestra on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 7:30pm.