Under Haithcock’s guidance, the UM Symphony Band received a wide array of critical acclaim for their high artistic standards of performance and the quality of their repertoire. These accolades came from concert reviews at national and state conventions, performances in major concert venues such as Carnegie Hall in New York City, Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, and a variety of performances presented during the Symphony Band’s May 2011 tour of China, as well as recordings on the Albany, Arsis, and Equilibrium labels. Reviews of the ten commercial CD’s he recorded with the U-M Symphony Band between 2002 and 2018 stated, “programming and execution of this caliber ought to be available worldwide…musically impressive, giving a sense of elation.” The American Record Guide praised the “professional manner with which the group delivers…they show great skill and artistry” and proclaimed the “sound of the U-M Symphony Band is something to savor.” The University of Michigan Symphony Band’s YouTube channel, which Haithcock founded, is also a highly respected and utilized resource for bands around the world as well as an important archive of his artistic accomplishments while director of bands at U-M.
Professor Haithcock is highly regarded as a master teacher. In February of 2012, he was named an Arthur F. Thurnau Professor by the University of Michigan which is the University’s highest award for excellence in undergraduate teaching. He is the author of the Elements of Expressive Conducting, a widely adapted textbook for conducting classes in universities around the world. Forty-four masters and doctoral conducting students studied with him at UM and serve important positions in prestigious music schools across the country including four who are leading BIG TEN band programs. He remains in constant demand as a guest conductor with professional ensembles, major universities, all-state groups and other festival ensembles, as well as serving as a resource person for conducting symposiums and workshops in a variety of instructional settings.
A graduate of East Carolina University, where he received the 1996 Outstanding Alumni Award from the School of Music, and Baylor University, Haithcock has done additional study at a variety of conducting workshops including the 1985 Herbert Blomstedt Orchestral Conducting Institute. The Instrumentalist, the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association, The School Musician, the Southwest Music Educator, and Winds Magazine have published his articles on conducting and wind literature. He has also penned a variety of forwards and introductions for a number of books by respected colleagues in the field.
Professor Haithcock is an elected member of both the music honor society Pi Kappa Lambda and the American Bandmasters Association. He remains active in the College Band Directors National Association following his term as president (2001–2003) and received the organizations Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021. In 2011, he was awarded the Distinguished Service to Music Medal by Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity.
