The longtime music educator with two decades of teaching, mentoring and leadership experience will direct several university ensembles in 2026-27.
Elon University has named an interim director of bands to continue the growth of its successful music programs throughout the new academic year.
Assistant Professor Danny Frye will oversee in 2026-27 the “Fire of the Carolinas” Marching Band, the Wind Ensemble, the Concert Band and the Pep Band.
“We are so excited to welcome Dr. Danny Frye to our university,” said Associate Professor Ally Wente, chair of the Department of Music. “Danny has already been in the thick of it for several weeks now, leading marching band camp with energy, warmth and dedication. We couldn’t ask for a better start to his term as interim director of bands.”
Frye is a percussionist and music educator with over two decades of leadership and teaching experience in K-12 and collegiate music programs, including those at Wake Forest University, High Point University, Pfeiffer University and UNC Charlotte.
Frye has appeared as a guest artist at the Festival Internacional de la Puerto Rico, the Southeastern Percussion Festival and the Kentucky, Tennessee and North Carolina Days of Percussion. He has led clinics, recitals and masterclasses at universities throughout the country.
A professional percussionist, Frye earned his bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He has performed with Aretha Franklin, Lorrie Morgan and symphonies across the Carolinas in Charleston, Greensboro and Winston-Salem.
McKayla “MK” Phillips, adjunct assistant professor of music, will serve as interim percussion instructor and interim assistant director of bands.
Frye succeeds Associate Professor Jonathan Poquette, the university’s previous director of bands, who joined the music faculty this summer at Bethel College in Kansas alongside his wife, Kelly, another music educator.