Don R. Marcouiller papers

Don R. Marcouiller (October 19, 1925-August 5, 2018) was an American collegiate band director and music professor. Born in Lena, Wisconsin, Marcouiller then received his undergraduate and graduate degrees in music education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. During his undergraduate career, Marcouiller served in the United States Navy from 1944-1946, both during and after World War II. In 1951, Marcouiller was appointed Assistant Director of Bands and Director of Marching Bands at the University of Wisconsin. He led the University of Wisconsin Marching Band to the Rose Bowl in 1953, and was inducted into the University of Wisconsin Marching Band Hall of Fame in 2014.

In 1956, Marcouiller accepted the Director of Bands position at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where he served until 1987. The Drake University Concert Band performed for national conferences of preeminent music education organizations, and premiered major compositions by six nationally renowned composers. Most prominent among these premieres is Vincent Persichetti's Parable for Band, one of the landmark works in the wind band repertoire. Marcouiller served as Professor Emeritus of Wind and Brass Instruments at Drake University following his retirement.

Marcouiller was a guest conductor, clinician, and lecturer in 38 states, Ireland, Canada and Mexico. The Drake University Marching Band performed at 18 National Football League games and was named, “One of the nation’s top five marching bands” by CBS Television. While at Drake he authored the book, “Marching for Marching Bands,” introducing the unit system of marching which was widely adopted by marching bands across the U.S. Marcouiller was a Board Member of the American Bandmasters Association, and Past President of College Band Directors National Association, Iowa Bandmasters Association, Iowa Music Educators Association, and Des Moines Civic Music Association.