Meet the new Artistic Director for the Kingwood Big Band
For more than four decades, Dennis Eichler has been a music educator and supporter for the arts. During his career he has taught jazz band, symphonic band and orchestra at all levels. He began his career as a music educator in Baytown, Texas. He spent most of his career as music department chair at Ross Sterling High School. While at Sterling, Mr. Eichler’s organizations won acclaim from countless educators and adjudicators. The Sterling Symphony Orchestra was a consistent UIL Sweepstakes winner and was awarded “Outstanding Orchestra” at various festivals. The Sterling High School Band was also well respected in state and national competitions. Under Mr. Eichler’s leadership, his groups have won a total of 33 UIL Sweepstakes awards.
After his tenure at Ross Sterling High School, Mr. Eichler served as Director of Instrumental Music Ensembles at Lee College in Baytown. While at Lee College he conducted the Baytown Symphony Orchestra, the Baytown Concert Band, and the Lee College Jazz Ensemble.
For the past five years, Mr. Eichler has been Director of Bands at Lone Star College-North Harris. He taught music theory and conducted the Gale Force Jazz Ensemble, the Hurricane Jazz Orchestra, the Bayou Big Band and the North Star Wind Symphony.
Dennis Eichler is also an active adjudicator, clinician and performer. He is a member of the Texas Music Adjudicators Association and has conducted many All-Region Bands and Orchestras in the Southeast. On several occasions he has conducted bands and orchestras in Europe and Mexico. Mr. Eichler is founder and director of the Bayou Big Band, a professional jazz band that performs throughout the Houston area. He is a member of Texas Music Educators Association, Phi Beta Mu Fraternity, Texas Band Masters Association, Texas Orchestra Directors Association, and National Association of Jazz Educators.
Mr. Eichler studied extensively with Bryce Taylor, Richard Kole and Eddie Green. He and his wife Lynda live in The Woodlands, TX.
