About Me

Dr. Brian J. Panetta serves as Director of Bands at Berkeley Preparatory School in Tampa, Florida, where he also founded the Jazz Program, the Marching Buccaneers, the Upper Division Rock Band, and the Berkeley Conservatory of Music, which offers on-campus private lessons. At Berkeley, he teaches grades 6–12 bands, conducts the pit orchestras for school musicals, and has previously chaired the Visual and Performing Arts Department. Under his leadership, the band program has grown into a vibrant and inclusive community of over 200 students.

Brian began his career in 2009 as Director and Coordinator of Music at Sandusky Central Catholic School in Ohio, where he taught both band and choir. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for revitalizing and expanding music programs, transforming them into comprehensive and student-centered experiences.

He holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of Dayton, a Master of Music in Instrumental Music Education from Bowling Green State University, and a Ph.D. in Music Education with a cognate in conducting from the University of South Florida. His research explores beginning band pedagogy, conducting curriculum, assessment, and inclusive practices in the music classroom, with work presented at national and international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.

In 2024, Brian was awarded a Professional Development Artist Grant from the Arts Council of Hillsborough County to teach, perform, and conduct at the Clazz International Music Festival.