Randall Standridge (b.1976) received his Bachelor's of Music Education from Arkansas State University.  During this time, he studied composition with Dr. Tom O'Connor, before returning to Arkansas State University to earn his Master's in Music Composition, studying with Dr. Tom O'Connor and Dr. Tim Crist. In 2001, he began his tenure as Director of Bands at Harrisburg High School in Harrisburg, Arkansas.  He left this post in 2013 to pursue a career as a full-time composer and marching arts designer.

In addition to his career as a composer, Mr. Standridge is the owner and editor for Randall Standridge Music, LLC and Grand Mesa Marching.  He is in demand as a drill designer, music arranger, and colorguard designer for the marching arts, as well as a freelance artist/photographer and writer.  He lives in Jonesboro, Arkansas with his family.

Read Randall's full bio here


In this episode, we discuss:

• Randall's earliest inspirations to be creative
• Becoming a composer "by accident" 
• His influences as a composer & what he's listening to right now
• Why he doesn't have a favorite type of ensemble to write for.
• Remaining creative during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Randall's music notation software of choice
• How working as a band director influenced his writing
• What influenced his decision to step away from teaching
• Balancing work, family, and personal well-being
• Making the decision to start up Randall Standridge Music, LLC, and begin self-publishing
• Writing for "modular wind ensemble"
• Planning his first album, A New Day Dawns
• Writing socially conscious music and the importance of a composer's intent
• Randall's love of horror literature and "the stupidest thing he's ever done" (His words, not mine!)

Randall's Links:

• Website
• A New Day Dawns
• Social Media
  • Facebook
  • TikTok
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Links from topics discussed:

• Tom O'Connor
• John Williams
• Danny Elfman
• Yanni
• Earth, Wind & Fire
• Trixie Mattel
• Will Stratton
• Omar Thomas
• Brian Balmages
• Precious Lord, Take My Hand
• A New Day Dawns
• The Witching Hour
• A Christmas Tale: Beware the Krampus
• The Presents

Music included in this episode:

• Herwig - Freedom
• Standridge - Vanishing Point