Dr. Byron Ward currently serves as Instructor of the practice of Music and Director of Athletic Bands at Utah Tech University. His primary responsibilities include overseeing and directing the Utah Tech Marching Band­­—The Roar of the Red Rocks—as well as teaching applied trumpet lessons and brass instrumental and methods courses.

Dr. Ward holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Trumpet Performance and a Master of Music in Music Theory Pedagogy from North Dakota State University. He also earned a Master of Music in Trumpet Performance from The University of Arizona and a Bachelor of Music in Trumpet Performance from Weber State University.

With a versatile performance background, Dr. Ward has appeared with orchestras, concert bands, jazz ensembles, brass quintets, operas, and musical theater productions across the country. Since relocating to St. George, he has actively collaborated with local performance groups and is quickly establishing a strong reputation with the regional music community. During his time in North Dakota, Dr. Ward presented professional trumpet recitals at Mayville State University, North Dakota State University, and Minnesota State University, Moorhead. He also performed with the South Dakota Symphony, Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra, Fargo-Moorhead Opera, and as an official bugler for the Fargo Horse Track.

Prior to his appointment at Utah Tech, he served as Instructor of Music at Mayville State University, where he taught a full range of music courses and directed both the Concert Band and Concert Choir. He also held teaching positions at The University of Minnesota, Morris, and North Dakota State University, contributing to their academic and performance programs.

Dr. Ward is an active clinician and adjudicator, judging competitions at various Jr. High and High Schools throughout northern Utah, northwestern Minnesota, and North Dakota. His principal trumpet teachers include Dan Rich, Reed LeCheminant, Jason Carder, Ed Reid, and Dr. Jeremy Brekke.

He resides in Washington, Utah with his wife, Sidney, and their three children.