We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Creston Herron. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Creston below.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Creston Herron serves as the recently appointed Director of Orchestral Activities at the University of Kansas and is a member of the faculty of the Interlochen Arts Camp. Prior to his current role, Mr. Herron occupied the positions of Director of Fine Arts for the Klein Independent School District, Conductor of the Shepherd School of Music Campanile Orchestra at Rice University, Director of Orchestras at Klein High School, and Director of Orchestras for the Yes Prep Public Schools.

Mr. Herron has recently engaged in guest conducting engagements with regional and All-State ensembles across various states including Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, New Mexico, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. Additionally, he has served as a summer faculty member at the AFA Summer Music Festival, Stephen F. Austin University Summer Music Camp, and the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music Summer Music Clinic.

As a dedicated educator, Mr. Herron takes pleasure in working with current and future educators as well as young performers. He has presented masterclasses and guest lectures at renowned institutions such as The Midwest Clinic, Rice University, Shepherd School of Music, Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, University of Houston, Moores School of Music, Sam Houston State University, Texas Tech University, The American String Teachers Association, The League of American Orchestras, and the NAMM Believe in Music Webinar Series. He also conducts professional development workshops for educators locally and nationally and is actively involved in judging UIL competitions and solo and ensemble contests.

Mr. Herron has garnered national recognition as both an educator and a musician. Under his direction, orchestras have earned multiple national titles, including being named the national winner of The American Prize, Grand Champions of the ASTA National Orchestra Festival, Texas Music Educators Association State Honor Orchestra, Grand Champions of the New York Orchestra Cup, and being invited to perform at the 75th Midwest Clinic in Chicago, Illinois. Individually, he has received recognition for his contributions to music education, including being awarded the Teacher of the Year at Klein High School, the Marjorie Keller Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award by the state board of the Texas Chapter of ASTA, and the Spec’s Charitable Award for Excellence in Music Education by the Houston Symphony.

In addition to his educational endeavors, Mr. Herron actively engages in honing his performing skills as a violinist, having collaborated with esteemed artists such as Renee Fleming, Mark O’Connor, and Rachel Barton-Pine. He has performed with Da Camera of Houston, CCM Spoleto Festival in Italy, Galveston Symphony, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Pasadena Philharmonic, Eutiner Festspiele Opera in Eutin, Germany, and the Houston Latin Philharmonic.

Creston Herron holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Performance from the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas, a Master of Music from Rice University, Shepherd School of Music in Houston, Texas, which he obtained on scholarship as a Provost Fellow and a Brown Scholar, and a Master of Education in School Leadership from Sam Houston State University.

Creston Herron resides in Kansas City with his wife, orchestra director Dawn Herron, and their three children.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most gratifying element of my profession is the opportunity to impart my passion for music with others and the ability to collaboratively create music. It is a transformative process that coalesces a diverse group of individuals from varied backgrounds, fostering profound emotional connections.

Witnessing the illumination in my students’ eyes during their moments of clarity or their exquisite performances, imbued with pride in their accomplishments, brings me immense joy.

Moreover, I find purpose and fulfillment in enjoying music for myself and expressing myself through performing and collaborations with fellow artists and friends.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My vision is to create experiences and opportunities that transcend the numerous barriers that unfortunately exist in music education today. These barriers often prevent students who share my appearance and similar financial backgrounds from having access to a high-quality music education. This situation is unacceptable and needs to change.

I firmly believe that every child, regardless of their background, deserves the chance to experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from learning and creating music. Music has the power to transform lives, and it should be accessible to everyone.

To achieve this goal, I plan to work with educators, community leaders to break down the barriers that stand in the way of equitable music education. I will also work to create new programs and initiatives that provide opportunities for all students to learn and grow musically.

I am committed to making this vision a reality. I believe that by working together, we can create a world where all students have access to a high-quality music education, and where every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://music.ku.edu/
• Instagram: crestonherron
• Facebook: Creston Herron
• Linkedin: Creston Herron
• Twitter: @CrestonHerron

Image Credits
Amanda Hodge