Dr. Samuel McIlhagga - Assistant Professor
Director of Bands, Music Education, Music Theory

Dr. Samuel McIlhagga, a native of Michigan, has taught in the public schools and also at the collegiate level since 1993. He earned a M.M. in Wind Conducting (1993) at Northwestern University studying with John P. Paynter. McIlhagga began his career as Director of Bands at Grand Valley State University, his alma mater in 1993. In 1994 he became the Director of Bands at Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio as a two-year visiting professor. While at Sinclair, his Wind Symphony performed at the OMEA state convention in Dayton. McIlhagga and the community bands also worked closely with composers Dr. Timothy Mahr and Dr. Andrew Boysen through the "Composer-In-Residence" Concert Series.

In 1996, McIlhagga became the Band Director at Sparta High School in Sparta, Michigan, a position he held for five years. While at Sparta, McIlhagga developed a high quality band program earning superior ratings for both concert and marching ensembles at both the district and state level.

After two years under the guidance of Craig Kirchhoff and completing his coursework toward a Ph.D. in Music at the University of Minnesota, McIlhagga accepted his current position as Director of Bands at Albion College in 2003. He is the director of "The British Eighth" marching band and the symphonic band. He also teaches courses in music theory and instrumental music education. McIlhagga completed his PhD in Music in 2006. His professional affiliations include the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA), College Music Society (CMS), The National Association for Music Education: MENC, Society for Music Teacher Education (SMTE), Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA), Michigan School Vocal Music Association (MSVMA) and the Michigan Music Education Association (MMEA).