A self-proclaimed “sports-a-holic,” Troy Bennefield said he’s lucky to share his passion for music on the field and on the court.

Bennefield, the new director of the Cougar Marching Band, has taken the place of Don Hower, who retired after nearly 25 years at WSU.

“Everything we do, we do to be great representatives and ambassadors for the university and state, entertain fans and support athletic teams,” he said of the band. “And we provide each other great education, music and social experiences.”

As the director of WSU’s Athletic Bands, Bennefield leads all aspects of the program. Additionally he conducts the Symphonic Band and assists Danh Pham, the director of bands, in conducting the Symphonic Winds Ensemble and teaching music education students.

“It is not an enviable position to replace someone after 20-plus years,” Pham said. “However, he is overwhelmingly qualified.”

Before he came to WSU, Bennefield held the same position at the University of Houston, where he helped increase participation in the university’s marching band, color guard and basketball bands. He’s been involved in band since 1997, starting in high school and continuing well into his own college career.

Bennefield emphasized his desire to raise a band of leaders “who want to be good and devote their time to the university.”

Bennefield is a straight-forward individual with “powerful, yet friendly leadership qualities,” said Daniel Ross, a senior who plays tuba in the marching band.

“Everyone responds to his energy,” added Frank Carr, a junior mellophone player.

“His strongest trait as a leader is that he is a very collegial individual. He’s such a personable individual, with great respect for others,” Pham said.

While he’s hard at work implementing change, he’ll hold onto some of Hower’s traditions, including the “Jaws” theme song and the trumpet introduction to the WSU fight song, Bennefield said.

“Change is inevitable — growth is optional,” he said, noting the band’s most important role is its relationship with the fans. He said he hopes the band will include more than 200 members within the next few years.

“With a new phase comes new traditions,” Pham said. “He is the absolute right person to bring about new things.”

Bennefield holds a doctorate in instrumental conducting and a master’s degree in percussion performance from the University of Oklahoma as well as a bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Alabama. He lives in Pullman with his wife, Michelle, and their two dogs.

“Dr. Bennefield is a fun and unique character,” said Katey Murray, a freshman sousaphone player. “He is extremely enthusiastic in everything the band does and is quite funny. (He’s) great with the band and has changed the new and old for the good.”

Pham said the director position makes Bennefield “undoubtedly the most public figure in the School of Music.”

Bennefield added, “No ensemble will get heard more than the marching band.”