Amy Acklin is Professor of Music and Associate Director of Bands at the University of Louisville. She is the Founder and Artistic Director of the Louisville Youth Wind Symphony, which debuted in 2025 with Composer-in-Residence John Mackey. Under her direction, the UofL Symphonic Band performed at the 2016 CBDNA Southern Division Conference and the Kentucky Music Educators Association Professional Conference (2023, 2015). Previously, Dr. Acklin served for 12 years as the Director of the UofL Cardinal Marching Band and taught middle and high school band for six years in the California public schools. 

 

Dr. Acklin is an active guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator throughout the country. Her guest conducting engagements include performances at the Boston University Tanglewood Institute, the Music for All National Festival Concert Band, WASBE International Conferences, Musicians Abroad European Tour, CBDNA Regional Conferences, and honor band festivals throughout the United States. 

 

Dr. Acklin serves as the CBDNA Southern Division President and the National Band Association KY State Chair. She is a recipient of the Phi Beta Mu Psi Chapter Outstanding Bandmaster Award, the UofL Wilson Wyatt Alumni Award, the UofL Distinguished Teacher Award, the KMEA College/University Teacher of the Year Award, the Tau Beta Sigma/Paula Crider Award, and the NBA Citation of Excellence. In 2024, Dr. Acklin was elected to membership in the prestigious American Bandmasters Association.