Julie Swope
Julie Swope is in her 11th year as Director of Bands at West Middle School in Columbia, Missouri. Prior to the Director of Bands position, Julie taught for the Columbia school district for 5 years as a Woodwind specialist. Previously, Julie was the Assistant Band Director for the Fulton Public School District teaching grades 6-12.
In addition to her role at West Middle School, Julie assists with the Hickman High School marching band teaching choreography, body movement, and visual design. Throughout the fall marching season, Julie travels throughout Missouri judging marching band festivals, parades, and in-door color guard competitions.
Julie received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music, with an emphasis in piano, as well as her Master of Arts in Education from Truman State University.
A recipient of the 2017 Shelter Insurance Outstanding Teacher of the Year, Julie is active in her school community as a teacher Mentor, Department Chair, Leadership Team, and various district-level committees. Julie regularly hosts college observation students and student teachers. In addition, Julie works as an advocate for district employees, striving to improve compensation and equalize responsibilities.
Bands under Julie’s direction have consistently achieved top ratings at Solo, Ensemble, and full band festivals. Julie has adjudicated and worked as a clinician in the mid-Missouri region, as well as Kansas City and St. Louis areas.
As a strong advocate for self-improvement, Julie regularly attends professional development opportunities, such as MBA, MMEA, Conn-Selmer, BOA, and Midwest Band and Orchestra Conferences.
Julie is a board member of the Missouri Symphony, where she serves the Patron Experience Committee Chair, Junior Artists Making Music Chair, and a Committee member to the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility division. Julie has a passion for providing opportunities for students and families that would otherwise not have access to instrumental music.
Julie is a member of the Columbia Community Band, a 75+ member ensemble that performs regularly around the Mid-Missouri area. Julie is also a dancer and continues her learning while taking dance classes and attending clinics and conferences.
Julie is a member of NAfME, MMEA, MBA, MWBDA, Sigma Alpha Iota, NEA, and CMNEA
Julie resides in Columbia, Missouri with her husband Denis Swope, and their two children, Mia (who is a high school Sophomore, very active musician and dancer) and Evan (who is a college Freshman double majoring in Aerospace Engineering and Jazz Performance).
Julie has been a member of the Missouri Bandmasters Association for over 2 decades. She has a tremendous amount of respect for the organization. She would love to serve its members and give back to the community that helped her in our amazing profession.