Patrick Forrester

Patrick Forrester is currently serving as the Interim Associate Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands at Valdosta State University where he leads the VSU Blazin’ Brigade and conducts the VSU Concert Band. He is also currently a doctoral candidate in Wind Conducting at the University of Kentucky. Prior to this appointment, Patrick served as Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of Kentucky where his responsibilities included serving as the Assistant Conductor of the UK Concert Band and guest conducting the UK Wind Symphony and UK Symphony Band. Furthermore, Patrick served on the staff of the Wildcat Marching Band as teacher and designer.  

Patrick is an advocate and champion of the performance of new music and is incredibly passionate about the performance of music for chamber winds. More specifically, he is captivated by creating opportunities for collaboration across musical mediums including the combination of winds and voice. Most recently, he transcribed and premiered Paul Bowles' "Blue Mountain Ballads", a song cycle for medium voice, for chamber winds with soloist.  

Patrick holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Louisiana State University. While he was at LSU, Patrick was a performing trombonist, teacher/consultant, and designer in the Baton Rouge area. After graduating from LSU, Patrick moved back to Georgia where he taught Middle and High School Band in the Savannah area. Following his time teaching in the public schools, Patrick returned to LSU and received his MM in Wind conducting.

Patrick's conducting teachers include Dr. Cody Birdwell, Dr. Damon Talley, Mr. Scott Terrell, and Dr. Dennis Llinas.

Patrick is also actively involved in the marching arts as a teacher, designer, and adjudicator. After marching with Carolina Crown from 2010-2013, he began teaching in the activity and is now a sought-after drill-designer, choreographer, and clinician for marching bands, winter guards and indoor percussion ensembles throughout the country. Patrick maintains an active judging schedule and has served as a visual judge in the CWEA, LMGCPC, and HIWA indoor circuits. Currently, he serves as the Visual Caption Head of Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps.

Patrick currently lives in Hahira, GA with his beautiful wife, Angelle and their brown dog, Caffrey.