Band Directors
Marques Rudd, (Director of Bands)
Mr. Marques Rudd currently serves as the Director of Bands at Lake Brantley High School, in Altamonte Springs, Florida. Being involved in music since his elementary years, he has developed an appreciation across multiple areas of music.
Mr. Rudd is a graduate of Florida State University, receiving his bachelor’s degree in music education. Mr. Rudd studied conducting under Dr. Patrick Dunnigan, FSU’s Director of Bands, along with further mentorship from Dr. David Plack and Dr. Chandler Wilson.
While at FSU, Mr. Rudd performed with the Swing Machine Jazz Ensemble, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Orchestra, and guest conducted the Campus Band. Mr. Rudd served as an assistant conductor for the FSU Tri-State Music Festival, leading sectionals and rehearsals of an honor band composed of students from all over the state of Florida, Alabama, and Georgia.
He also served as the Clarinet Section Leader, and the Marching Coordinator for the Florida State University Marching Chiefs, where he taught marching, maneuvering, and cleaned drill for all practices and performances.
Mr. Rudd has received various awards and accolades, including the FSU Medal of Honor, and the William O. Hughes Outstanding Intern Scholarship, both of which recognize outstanding service and passion for music and education at the highest levels. Most recently, Mr. Rudd was recognized as the 2025 Champion of Inclusion, on behalf of the Down Syndrome Foundation of Florida for his efforts of
inclusivity of all students.
Primarily a clarinetist and saxophonist, Mr. Rudd has performed in multiple community ensembles and big bands. Recently, he was an active participant in the community band Fanfare Concert Winds, under the direction of former Hillsborough Music Supervisor, Mr. Ted Hope. Mr. Rudd currently serves as the Associate Artistic Director of the Central Florida Sounds of Freedom Band and Colorguard, a community band based in Orlando, Florida.
Mr. Rudd is a member of multiple professional musical organizations including Kappa Kappa Psi, National
Honorary Band Fraternity - on which he served on the executive board - the Florida Music Educators
Association (FMEA), the Florida Bandmasters Association (FBA), the Florida Schools Music Association
(FSMA), and the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). Mr. Rudd is an advocate for student
growth, success, leadership, and learning with a “student first” mindset.