Ian McDaniel earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Texas State University, where he studied from 2011 to 2015. Following graduation, he began his teaching career at Gonzales ISD as the Assistant Band Director, serving from 2015 to 2018 before being promoted to Head Band Director, a role he held through 2022. While teaching full time, he pursued graduate studies and earned a Master’s degree in Educational Administration in 2022.

From 2022 to 2024, Ian served as the Head Band Director at Cedar Creek Middle School in Bastrop ISD, where he continued to develop students’ musical growth and leadership while refining his work in visual design for the marching arts. During his time teaching Ian has explored with a lot of smaller chamber ensemble works and is starting to create more full ensemble works.

Ian is currently a small business owner, writing original marching drills and supporting young musicians through master classes and private lessons. Through his business, he is able to combine his passion for music, creativity, and educational experience to design engaging visual programs and original compositions that help ensembles perform with confidence and clarity.