I am Eric Tinkler, music educator, conductor, and self-proclaimed band nerd.
I firmly believe that music is our superpower and as educators, it provides a platform to inspire students and teach essential life skills.
My philosophy of music education focuses on a strong belief in the power of education to progress society, the unbreakable bond of music with the human experience, and that as a teacher, I am building a culture that encourages all to be the best version of themselves.
Teacher
At the University of Kansas, I currently serve as a Graduate Teaching Assistant with roles that have me working with the Kansas University Marching Jayhawks and assisting with Undergraduate Conducting courses.
From 2021 - 2024, I served as the Head Band Director at Clay Center Community Middle School and the Assistant Band Director at the CCC High School. In this position, I taught 6 - 8 bands and a HS music technology class. Additionally, I assisted with the HS band and 5th-grade beginning band.
In addition to teaching in schools, I have maintained a private lessons studio with brass students of various ages and ability levels.
Conductor
As of the Fall of 2024, I have begun a Masters of Music in Wind Band Conducting at the University of Kansas, under the tutelage of Dr. Matthew Smith. In addition to private study, I will conduct a varied selection of repertoire with the University of Kansas Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and University Band.
From 2023-2024 I have also served as the lead conductor for the Little Apple Horn Choir, a community horn ensemble in Manhattan, KS led by myself and Dr. Jacqueline Fassler-Kerstetter.
Leadership
I define leadership as inspiring others to become the best versions of themselves. At KSU, I served in a variety of leadership roles This includes serving as President of the Tau Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha, a member of the Student Staff with the KSU Marching Band, and helping organize student input on KSU School of Music, Theatre, & Dance COVID-19 re-opening guidelines.
During my teaching career, I maintained an active leadership team through both the High School and Middle School band programs. Additionally, I served on the district recruitment and retention team, focused on maintaining a strong staff throughout the district.
I also aspire to be a leader in the field of music education. I accomplish this through the production of my podcast, Not Your Forte, a Music Education podcast aimed at preparing music education students for their professional careers. Through this podcast, I have reached an international audience and made connections with master educators around the world.
Musician
Music communicates, inspires, and connects. I have been playing my French Horn since the fifth grade and I have not stopped since. At Kansas State, I had the honor of playing horn with high-level ensembles such as the KSU Wind Ensemble under Dr. Frank Tracz and the Symphony Orchestra with Dr. Rachel Dirks.
Additionally, I actively sought out additional opportunities to perform on a variety of instruments. I performed with the Concert band on Horn, Trumpet, and Euphonium, the University Band on Clarinet, Percussion, Oboe, and Flute, and with the KSU Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble on Tuba.
Currently, I am active as a horn player in the Manhattan Symphony Orchestra, Little Apple Horn Choir, Heart of America Band, Manhattan Municipal Band, and the Clay Center Municipal Band.
In the summer of 2019 I successfully auditioned into the National Intercollegiate Band hosted by Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma. This band was directed by Professor Jerry Junkin and performed a variety of great works including Carmina Burana and the world premier of Fanfare for Friends by Joel Puckett
My Senior Horn Recital demonstrated my abilities as a musician and featured works by John Williams, Beethoven, and Bernhard Krol.
The KSU Marching Band gave me the opportunity to play Sousaphone for four years and serve as the music instructor in my last year with the section.
"Ancora Imparo"
Yet, I am still learning…