Erin Keeton-Howard (she/her) is a Seattle-based educator, conductor, and composer. Community music, and the formation of community through making music, is at the heart of her research interests, educational philosophy, and personal passion. Erin is delighted to engage in this adventure through her work as a guest conductor/composer/clinician and
through her book: “Women in Wind Band” written from the experience of women to foster a more authentic and inclusive future for everyone in the field.
Serving as Director of Bands at The Northwest School and Director of bands at North Seattle College, Erin is currently in her 15th year of teaching. While teaching, Erin maintains an active role in community music. She is a director and founder of Formation Wind Band, Seattle’s all-women wind ensemble. Previous community music involvement includes serving on the artistic staff of Rainbow City Performing Arts and founding the Give Back Brass Band. Erin discovered composing during the pandemic. Drawing inspiration from everyday life and personal values, Erin enjoys writing music for all levels but is particularly passionate about writing quality music for student musicians to nurture developing skills and specific idiosyncrasies for each instrument. Erin is actively commissioned to write music for ensembles all over the country. Her works include compositions for concert, jazz, pep, and brass bands as well as various chamber ensembles.
Erin graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri (B.S. in music education) and the University of Washington (M.A. in music education, emphasis instrumental conducting). In addition to her musical pursuits, Erin is passionate about travel, cooking, the PNW coast, and sudoku. Erin resides in Mountlake Terrace, WA with her wife Felicia and two lovable pups, Tucker and Edna Boone.
