Daniel Cook is currently on the faculty at the University of North Texas where he conducts the Wind Ensemble, teaches conducting, and serves as the Director of Athletic Bands. In this capacity, he is proud to lead the 425-member Green Brigade Marching Band and oversee performances at various other University events.

Daniel has completed coursework toward a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Wind Conducting at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, where he studied with Dr. Mallory Thompson. He holds his Master of Music degree in Conducting from the same institution. Daniel graduated magna cum laude with his Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia. There, he was also recognized as a Theodore Presser Scholar.

Daniel is an in-demand clinician, adjudicator, speaker, and guest conductor. In addition to his work at UNT, he is also the Resident Conductor for the Dallas Brass Band, the metroplex’s only brass band of its kind. Established in early 2017, the ensemble is rooted in the standard British tradition and performs several concerts a year. His lecture and research interests focus on the adaptation of trends in positive psychology to enhance the efficacy of music classroom instruction.

Prior to his arrival in Evanston, Daniel was the Director of Bands at DeLand High School in DeLand, Florida. Bands and chamber groups under his direction have enjoyed success, with his students earning superior ratings at district and state solo, small ensemble, and large group performance festivals. Notably, his ensembles have performed at the Music for All National Concert Band Festival and Florida Music Educators Association In-Service Conference. During his time in Florida, he was a member of the Florida Bandmasters Association, chairing numerous marching and concert band events. Additionally, he served as staff pianist and organist at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Daytona Beach.

An active drum and bugle corps instructor, Daniel is currently on staff at the Santa Clara Vanguard as an Ensemble Specialist. He was previously the assistant brass caption head at the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps and prior to that was on the brass instructional team at the Blue Knights. Daniel was a marching member of Carolina Crown. His professional affiliations include the Collegiate Band Directors’ National Association, the National Association for Music Education, the National Band Association, Kappa Kappa Psi, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.