Wade HowlesDr. Wade Howles is currently the Instrumental Music Director at Pound Middle School in Lincoln, NE where directs concert and jazz bands and has served since 2021. He also serves as the Jazz Chair for the Nebraska State Bandmasters Association. Dr. Howles previously held positions at Lakeview Community Schools, Midland University, and Doane University. Programs under his leadership have seen substantial increases in enrollment at all levels, obtained Superior ratings at the district and state levels, and sent multiple members to the Nebraska All-State Bands. He was a recipient of the 2019 NSBA Jack R. Snyder Outstanding Young Director Award. Dr. Howles runs a thriving private saxophone studio of students throughout Eastern Nebraska, including multiple All-State Concert Band members.
Dr. Howles is active outside of teaching as a clinician, adjudicator, and performer. He has been selected to present at numerous state, national, and international conferences, and has recently conducted honor bands for the Trailblazer and Mid-States conferences in Nebraska. As a freelance saxophonist he regularly performs with groups such as the Omaha Symphony, Nebraska Saxophone Project, Lincoln Municipal Band, Omaha Symphonic Winds, and Capital Jazz Society Monday Night Big Band. Dr. Howles obtained his B.S. Ed (2008) from Northwest Missouri State University, as well as Master of Music (2010) and Doctor of Musical Arts (2017) degrees in saxophone performance, with a related area in jazz, from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He currently resides in Lincoln, NE with his wife, sons, dogs, leopard gecko, and turtle. Outside of music he enjoys golfing, competing as a natural bodybuilder, and the joys of DIY home remodeling.
Dr. Howles is proud to represent Eastman Winds, Rovner Ligatures, and Key Leaves as an endorsing artist/educator.
