West Milford High School — Director of Bands

DMA (University of Iowa), MM (University of New Mexico), BMusEd (West Texas State University

Dr. Brian McLaughlin has been directing band since 1983, and has been the Director of Bands at West Milford High School since 2004.  A native of the state of Texas, Dr. McLaughlin holds a Bachelor of Music Education from West Texas State University, a Master of Music in Horn Performance from the University of New Mexico, and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Horn Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Iowa.  Dr. McLaughlin has taught in public schools in Texas, Ohio, and New Jersey, and has taught at the University of New Mexico, the University of Iowa, Drew University, Coe College, and Kirkwood College. 

In addition to his duties as Director of Bands at West Milford High School, Dr. McLaughlin is an active freelance horn player in the New York City area.  He has performed on Broadway in Miss Saigon and Beauty and the Beast, and on the national tour of The Secret Garden.  Among other ensembles, he has played with the Santa Fe Symphony, the Columbus Symphony, the New Jersey Symphony, the New Jersey Pops Orchestra, the Riverside Symphonia, the Pennsylvania Regional Ballet, and the Gramercy Brass Orchestra.  In addition, he has played with such headliners as Ray Charles, Dave Brubeck, and Donna Reeves. In 2013 I was a quarter finalist for the Grammy Award in Music Education, and was recently asked to write an article for the publications of the International Horn Society, which can be seen here.