Dr. Eric Shannon
Assistant Director of Athletic Bands
Email: es@ou.edu
A native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Dr. Eric Shannon serves as Assistant Professor and Assistant Director of Athletic Bands. In this role, he assists with the direction of and designs drill for the renowned “Pride of Oklahoma” Marching Band, oversees the “Sound of the Sooners” basketball bands, conducts a University Campus Band, and teaches the marching band methods course.
Before returning to OU, Dr. Shannon served as Director of Athletic Bands and Associate Professor at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. During his 11-year tenure at Lamar, he oversaw all aspects of the “Showcase of Southeast Texas” marching band, conducted the Symphonic Concert Band, directed the jazz band-style Basketball Pep Band, taught conducting and marching methods courses in the music education track, and coordinated music department auditions and admissions. He was also deeply involved in university service, chairing multiple hiring committees, leading department fundraisers, serving on the University Athletic Council, and representing faculty as a University Faculty Senator (2020–2022).
Under his leadership, the Lamar University marching band performed at high-profile events, including Houston Texans and Texas A&M halftimes, UIL State Marching Championships, a Bands of America San Antonio Super Regional, and several Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans. Additionally, he fostered student engagement beyond performances by spearheading initiatives like partnerships with the National Marrow Donor Program and performing for community outreach events such as the Adaptive Sports for Kids opening day and the National Heart Association’s Heart Health Walks.
Prior to his appointment at Lamar, Dr. Shannon served as a Doctoral Conducting Associate at the University of Oklahoma, where he earned his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in 2015. He also holds a Master of Music degree in instrumental conducting from the University of Houston (2012) and a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Oklahoma (2007). In 2006, he was the 56th drum major for the Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band.
In addition to his university band experience, Dr. Shannon marched with The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps during the 2003, 2004, and 2006 seasons, earning DCI World Championships in 2004 and 2006 and a silver medal in 2003. He was also part of the 2006 I&E first-place brass ensemble and later returned to The Cavaliers as a visual staff member for the 2007, 2008, and 2010 seasons.
Before beginning his graduate studies in Houston, Dr. Shannon taught public school in Tulsa, Oklahoma, from 2007 to 2010, serving as Instrumental Music Director at Memorial High School. There he oversaw all aspects of the band, orchestra, and jazz programs, leading ensembles to consistent superior and excellent ratings as well as Best in Class honors at festivals in Chicago and San Diego.
