In Memory of Dr. Gary Packwood
Gary Packwood was a distinguished figure recognized for his inspirational and motivational contributions as a conductor, pedagogue, author, and lecturer. His influence reached audiences across North and South America, Europe, and Asia, demonstrating his global impact in the field of music education. Dr. Packwood’s extensive teaching career spanned more than 30 years and included conducting all-state and honor choirs in 40 states, as well as leading large festival choirs throughout the United States. Other notable conducting appearances included four performances at Carnegie Hall (two juried and two invited), serving as conductor for the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) Regional Conferences in the Northwest, Eastern, Midwestern, and Southwestern regions; appearances at The White House; six engagements with the Federal Universities of Campina Grande, Piaui, and Uberlandia; service as a featured “Headliner” for ACDA conferences in Texas, Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, Louisiana, South Dakota, Alabama, Kentucky, Arkansas, and South Carolina; and residencies at Berry College, Southeastern Louisiana University, Sultan Idris Education University (Perak, Malaysia), Aswana Conservatory of Music (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), East Tennessee State University, Rowan University, Northern Colorado University, the University of West Florida, and the Federal Universities of Campina Grande and Piaui in Brazil.
His leadership as a director of choral studies left an indelible mark on schools in Alabama, Louisiana, Florida, and Mississippi, and his mentorship touched the lives of hundreds of students and colleagues who frequently sought his guidance in music, career, and life matters.
In addition to his accomplishments as a conductor and educator, Dr. Packwood was an active composer whose works and series were published by Gentry Publications, Santa Barbara Music, Alliance Music, and MusicSpoke. His dedication to advancing the profession was evident in his written contributions, including articles in the Choral Journal, Teaching Music, the second edition of the AmeriGrove Dictionary, and book chapters in GIA’s Conducting Men’s Choirs and Hal Leonard’s Choral Reflections: Insights from American Choral Conductor-Teachers.
A lifetime member of the American Choral Directors Association, Dr. Packwood served in numerous leadership roles, including President of the Southern Region of ACDA. His service reflected a deep commitment to the professional development and advancement of choral music at both regional and national levels.
Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Gary Packwood began his teaching career in elementary general music before achieving success as a high school choral director in the Palm Beach School District of Florida. He most recently served at Lubbock ISD in Texas as Head Choral Director at Estacado High School and District Choral Facilitator, where he mentored new choir directors and helped them strive for excellence.
Gifts in memory of Dr. Packwood will support the LSU A Capella Choir Fund.
If you would like to make your gift by check, make check payable to: LSU Foundation
Notation Line: In Memory of Dr. Gary Packwood
Send to: LSU Foundation, 3796 Nicholson Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70802
The LSU Foundation will share notices about memorial gifts with Dr. Packwood's family. We do not share the gift amount unless a donor explicitly gives us permission to do so.