John P. Schnettler

Director of Bands, Professor of Music

Email: schnettlerj@apsu.edu 
Phone: (931) 221-6820
Music/Mass Communication Building, Room 163

John Schnettler is an accomplished conductor, educator, and leader recognized for his dedication to ensemble performance, dynamic artistry, and student engagement. He currently serves as Director of Bands and Professor of Music at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee, where he conducts the Wind Ensemble and the Latin Music Ensemble, “Sin Fronteras”. During his first fourteen years at APSU, Prof. Schnettler served as the Associate Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands, conducting the Symphonic Band, Pep Band, and the spirited "Governors Own Marching Band”. In addition to his work with departmental ensembles, Professor Schnettler teaches courses in conducting, music education, and supervises student teachers.

At APSU, Prof. Schnettler has played a significant role in transforming the band program. During his tenure, band ensemble enrollment has grown significantly. He has expanded program offerings and performance opportunities, including enhancing the scope of the institution’s annual APSU Honor Band and the Mid-South Marching Invitational. He is the founder of signature APSU annual events including GOMB Day and the festive Hap-Peay Holidays Showcase. 

Before joining APSU, Prof. Schnettler held faculty positions at the University of South Florida, where he directed the acclaimed Herd of Thunder Marching Band and conducted the USF Wind Ensemble, Symphonic, and Concert Bands. As a graduate assistant at the University of Georgia, he instructed the Redcoat Marching Band, mentored student teachers, and guest conducted the band ensembles.

An active clinician, adjudicator, and guest conductor, Prof. Schnettler is sought after for honor band festivals, professional conferences, and music education events throughout the Southeast and beyond. His contributions to music pedagogy include multiple published articles in the well-regarded Teaching Music Through Performance in Band series, and he has presented at national and state music conferences. 

Prof. Schnettler’s academic credentials include a Master of Music in Conducting and a Master of Arts in Music Education from the University of South Florida, as well as a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Central Florida. He has studied conducting with William Wiedrich and John Lynch.