Dr. Russell Teweleit
Associate Professor of Music, Associate Director of Bands and Coordinator of Music Education
Office: Mary Moody Northen Hall, Room 1012
Email: rteweleit@wtamu.edu
Phone: 806-651-2863
Professional Profile
Dr. Teweleit joined the WTAMU faculty in 1999. Before joining the WTAMU faculty in 1999, he served as Associate Director of Bands (1991–1996) and later Director of Bands (1996–1999) at Canyon High School. Under his leadership, the Canyon bands consistently earned superior ratings at contests and festivals, advancing to the Texas State Marching Contest and competing in the 4A Honor Band competition. He holds both a Bachelor of Music Education (1991) and Master of Music (1995) from West Texas A&M University, and a Ph.D. (2006) from the University of Oklahoma.
Teaching and Related Service
Dr. Teweleit serves as the coordinator of music education and associate director of bands. His responsibilities include teaching music education methods courses, supervising student teachers, and conducting the WTAMU Concert Band. He directed the WTAMU Jazz Bands and taught jazz improvisation 2000–2008, and from 2008 to 2020 he led the Buffalo Marching Band. Each summer, Dr. Teweleit teaches graduate courses and serves as Assistant Camp Director for the WTAMU Band & Orchestra Camp, which attracts over 1,000 students annually. Dr. Teweleit serves as the faculty adviser for both Tau Beta Sigma and Kappa Kappa Psi.
Research and Creative Activity
Dr. Teweleit is deeply committed to supporting music educators and has a passion for helping teachers refine their craft and strengthen their impact in the classroom. In addition, he remains active as a consultant, adjudicator, and trumpet performer, and frequently serves as a clinician for marching, concert, and jazz bands, as well as in the area of instrumental pedagogy. He is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, the College Band Directors National Association, Phi Beta Mu, and the Texas Bandmasters Association.
Personal Sketch
Dr. Teweleit and his wife, Tina, have two grown children, Lindsay and Matt, and one grandson, Owen. Outside of teaching and performing, he enjoys mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, playing hacky sack, and traveling—especially when it involves a bit of “travel hacking” to make the most of the journey. He also continues to stay active as a freelance trumpet artist.