George Boulden

Boulden has been a renowned music educator at the University of Kentucky for over two and half decades, serving as conductor of the UK Symphony Band and teaching conducting, music technology and student teachers within its School of Music.

He was twice recognized by the University of Kentucky College of Education as a Teacher Who Made A Difference, and in 2011 received the College/University Teacher of the Year award from Kentucky Music Educators Association.

Early Life and Education

George Boulden was born in Chart parish, Kent county, England on November 23, 1850 to David and Elizabeth (Collison) Boulden.

He was raised in a family of public-spirited citizens. As mayor, he worked tirelessly to make Dawes county into an area where people could live in safety, joy and prosperity.

His father had served in the Union army during the Civil War and was a farmer. Additionally, he served as judge of the peace for Dawes county.

He had eight children, three daughters and six sons who survived him. On August 7, 2022 in Richmond, Kentucky he passed away and is buried at Orangeville Cemetery.

Professional Career

George Boulden is an associate professor of music at the University of Kentucky, where he conducts and teaches the symphony band as well as teaching conducting, music technology and supervising student teachers. Before coming to UK he had taught in public schools in South Carolina and Florida.

He is currently the president of the Kentucky Music Educators Association and works as a clinician and educational consultant for Conn-Selmer Music Education Support Network.

He is an active adjudicator for Music for All/Bands of America, Drum Corps International and numerous state marching band championships across America. Additionally, he has served as guest conductor, clinician and presenter at numerous band and orchestra conferences throughout the US.

He is also a proud member of Phi Beta Mu, an international bandmaster fraternity. In 2011 he was recognized as Kentucky Music Educators Association College/University Teacher of the Year and in 2014 received their Outstanding Bandmaster Award from Psi Chapter Phi Beta Mu.

Achievements and Honors

George Boulden served as associate director of bands and professor of music at the University of Kentucky. He directed and conducted both the Wildcat Marching Band and Basketball Pep Band, in addition to conducting their symphony and concert bands.

He served as a clinician for the Conn-Selmer Music Education Support Network and adjudicator for Music for All/Bands of America, Drum Corps International and numerous state and regional marching band championships across America.

He was a proud member of Phi Beta Mu, the national band service fraternity, and College Band Directors National Association. Most recently he was inducted into the Phi Beta Mu Hall of Fame in February 2022.

Personal Life

George Boulden was a professor of music and associate director of bands at the University of Kentucky. He taught conducting, music technology, as well as overseeing student teachers.

He has served as a clinician and adjudicator for Music for All/Bands of America, Drum Corps International, as well as numerous state and regional marching band championships.

His professional affiliations include the Kentucky Music Educators Association, College Band Directors National Association and Phi Beta Mu. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Kentucky as well as a master’s in music education from the University of South Carolina.

George was an inspiring teacher, musician and administrator. He enjoyed great success as director of both the Wildcat Marching Band and Symphony Band, earning him numerous accolades including 2011 Kentucky Music Educator of the Year award, 2014 Outstanding Bandmaster Award from Phi Beta Mu Fraternity, as well as twice being named a Teacher Who Made a Difference by UK College of Education.