Janzen, Eldon A.

Eldon A. Janzen (1928-) is known as a conductor and educator. He is a member of the American Bandmasters Association and was Director of Bands at the University of Arkansas from 1970 to 1995. In addition to serving as director of the marching band and conductor of the symphonic band, Janzen taught instrumental methods and conducting at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. He is also author of the music education textbook, Band Director's Survival Guide: Planning and Conducting the Successful School Band Program. West Nyack, N.Y.: Parker Pub. Co., c1985.

Eldon A. Janzen was Director of Bands at the University of Arkansas from 1970 to 1995. In addition to serving as director of the marching band and conductor of the symphonic band, Janzen taught instrumental methods and conducting at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. He was Interim Chair of the Music Department in 1983 and continued as Coordinator of Music Education from 1983 to 1995.

Mr. Janzen graduated from Medford High School in 1945. He learned to play trombone and baritone in the Medford band and began his teaching career in his hometown. While a high school student, he was a member of the Oklahoma All State football team and was offered a full athletic scholarship to Oklahoma A & M (later Oklahoma State University). However, he chose to accept a scholarship from that institution to major in music (trombone). Professor Janzen received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Oklahoma State University and his Master of Music Education degree from North Texas State University, where he also served as assistant to the Director of Bands. After serving two years in the Army, he continued his teaching career in New Boston and Greenville, TX. He was appointed Director of Music Activities for the Irving Texas school system and served in that capacity until 1969.

Janzen frequently served as a clinician, guest conductor, and adjudicator throughout the United States and Canada. His professional affiliations included American Bandmasters Association, Music Educators National Conference, College Band Directors National Association, Kappa Kappa Psi, Tau Beta Sigma, and Lions International. Mr. Janzen has served as President of Texas Bandmasters Association, President of Southwest Division of CBDNA, President of Arkansas Bandmasters Association, and President of Phi Beta Mu International. He organized the Arkansas Winds Community Concert Band and served as its first Conductor/Artistic Director.

He was honored for his contribution to music education by membership in the Arkansas Phi Beta Mu Hall of Fame, received the Phi Beta Mu International award for outstanding contribution to music, was named Life President of Arkansas Bandmasters Association, and was a recipient of the "Distinguished Service" citation by kappa Kappa Psi. His textbook, Band Director's Survival Guide, is still used in instrumental methods courses throughout the country. Janzen was inducted into the Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Hall of Fame in Chicago on December 8, 2008.