Eric C. Shannon is the director of athletic bands and an associate professor of music at Lamar University. He directs the University's marching band, known as the "Showcase of Southeast Texas," as well as the Symphonic Band, Basketball Pep Band, and serves as Audition and Admission Coordinator for the Music Department. He also teaches Conducting I and the Marching Band Techniques course. Dr. Shannon recently served as a LU Faculty Senator for the 2020-2022 term.

Prior to his appointment as director of athletic bands for LU, Dr. Shannon served as a doctoral conducting associate at the University of Oklahoma, graduating in 2015. He earned his Master of Music degree in instrumental conducting from the University of Houston in 2012, and his Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Oklahoma in 2007.

In 2006, he served as the 56th drum major for the Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band. His conducting and teaching mentors include William K. Wakefield, David Bertman, Brian Britt, Nelson Nolden, Scott Deppe, David Gorham, John Benzer, Marion West and Michael Raiber.

Dr. Shannon enjoys serving as a clinician and guest conductor. He was clinician for the TMEA Region 8 Wind Ensemble (Jan. 2022), ATSSB Region 10/19 Symphonic Band (Jan. 2022), ATSSB Region 3 Symphonic Band, and NCDA Jr. High Honor Band (Jan. 2013).

During the summers, Dr. Shannon works with the Lamar University Middle School Band Camp as the Assistant Director and enjoyed conducting at The University of Arkansas Summer Music Camps between 2009 and 2019.

In addition to his experience with university and public school band programs, Dr. Shannon spent six years as a performer and instructor with Drum Corps International. A member of The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps for the 2003, 2004 and 2006 seasons, Dr. Shannon is a two-time Drum Corps International world champion, winning championships in 2004 and 2006.

He was also a member of the Cavalier’s 2006 Brass Ensemble, which won first place in DCI’s annual individual and ensemble competition. Dr. Shannon returned to The Cavaliers for the 2007, 2008, and 2010 seasons as a visual staff member.

From 2007 to 2010, Dr. Shannon served as instrumental music director at Memorial High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He also served as director of the Nimitz Middle School Band during the 2009-2010 school year. As director, he oversaw all aspects of the band, orchestra and jazz programs. Under Dr. Shannon, the ensembles consistently received superior and excellent ratings and traveled to more than 40 competitions including festivals in Chicago and San Diego, where the groups earned Best in Class honors.

Additionally, Dr. Shannon assisted with the school's large-scale choral programs conducting the 2009 performance of Schubert’s Mass in G and the 2010 performance of John Rutter’s Requiem. He served as artistic director and technical coordinator for the 2008-2010 all-school musical productions.