Kenneth Dye

Dr. Kenneth W. Dye (born 1967) is an American music educator and arranger, currently serving as Director of Bands and Professor of Music at the University of Notre Dame. In his capacity at Notre Dame, Dye oversees the Band of the Fighting Irish and teaches courses in music through technology and music business. Under Dye's direction, the Notre Dame band programs have performed across the United States and around the world. He is set to retire from his position at the conclusion of the 2025–26 academic year after almost three decades at Notre Dame.

Early life and education Dye earned his bachelor's degree in music performance from the University of Southern California where he marched in the USC Trojan Marching Band. Dye attended California State University, Long Beach where he attained a Master of Arts in Music. Dye completed both a Master's in Business Administration and his Doctorate in Music Education at the University of Houston.

Other work

As a composer/arranger, Ken Dye serves as a staff writer for several publishers and served as composer/arranger for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Band and pops arranger for the Dallas Symphony. His writing activities have produced over 1200 works for band and orchestra performed throughout the U.S. and overseas. Dye's composition "Welcome to Beijing," an Olympic Suite for Band, premiered in the Beijing Concert Hall in May 2008. The Olympic Suite is also featured in the 2008 Olympic Arts Festival performed by the Beijing schools.

In addition, Dye serves as a concurrent professor of Computer Applications. His course "Music through Technology" examines the historical influence of technology on the creative process of music. Dr. Dye also teaches music from a business perspective in a course entitled "The Business of Music," a synergistic history of music and business. Prior to Notre Dame, Dr. Dye served as Director of Bands at Rice University for 17 years and 14 years as conductor of the Houston Concert Band. In addition to his experience in Texas, he was Director of Bands at State University of West Georgia, Assistant Band Director for the 1984 Olympics, and taught public high school at Artesia High School in Lakewood, California. He has also served as director of the Opening Ceremonies of the U.S. Olympic Festival and conductor of the All-American College Band at Disney World. Dr. Dye serves as a music director of numerous special events as well as a clinician and adjudicator throughout North America and the South Pacific.