Patrick Sweeten
Music Teacher & Band Director

psweeten@cayuse.k12.mt.us

I am in my fifth year at Cayuse Prairie School teaching all music classes including General Music and Directing all bands for grades 4-8. I have been making music for more than 50 years and lifelong music.

I retired from the United States Navy in 2020 following a 30-year career as a Navy Musician and Bandmaster officer. I have performed thousands of concerts around the world for millions of audience members. I led world-class organizations like the United States Navy Band Great Lakes located near Chicago, the United States Pacific Fleet Band in Pearl Harbor, Hawai’i, the United States Navy Band in Washington, D.C., and also served as the overall supervisor for Navy Music overseeing all Navy bands and musicians worldwide. My final assignment was as the 31st Director for the Navy's most historic band organization, the United States Naval Academy Band which is located in Annapolis, Maryland.  

I have Midwestern roots as I was born in Joplin, Missouri and spent my childhood in Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma. I received a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Kansas, a Master of Music degree from Pittsburg State University, and completed all coursework for the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Memphis. I am also a Grizzly and pursuing a Master of Education with Initial Secondary and K-12 Music Licensure from the University of Montana.

Locally, I perform as a professional trombonist with the Glacier Symphony Orchestra and Chorale, Swingin' on High Jazz Band, and a number of other fine music ensembles. I also guest conduct bands throughout Montana and across the region.

My wife was born and raised in Polson, Montana, and we have called Kalispell home for many years. We are blessed with a great family to include our wonderful dogs. I enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and kayaking, and I am an avid fan for the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas Jayhawks, St. Louis Cardinals, and Montana Grizzlies! I also love cooking BBQ and spending time with my family and friends.

Thank you for reading.