camp director

Ashby Goldstein has a long history with Penny’s Camp. In addition to attending both the Drum Major and Leadership camps for three years as a high school student, he was also on the Leadership Academy staff for ten years before becoming Penny’s Camp Director in 2013.

Goldstein serves as Assistant Professor and Director of Music Education and Bands at Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City, Tennessee, where he teaches undergraduate music education courses, supervises student teachers, and conducts both the concert and marching bands. He was recently appointed as the Artistic Director of the Knoxville Symphony Youth Wind Ensemble and has appeared as a guest conductor with the Tennessee Wind Symphony.

A passionate advocate for music education at all levels, Goldstein has extensive experience as a middle school, high school, and collegiate music educator. Prior to his university appointment, he led ensembles to perform at prestigious events, including the Western International Band Clinic, Music for All National Concert Festival, NBA/CBDNA Southern Division Conference, and the Florida Music Educators Association Professional Development Conference.

Goldstein has been recognized for both his teaching and leadership, receiving two Citations of Excellence from the National Band Association, and was named Teacher of the Year at both Gifford Middle School (2014) and Sebastian River High School (2020). Most recently, he was honored as the 2025 TnMEA University Music Educator of the Year.

He is a sought-after clinician, adjudicator, and honor band conductor, having worked with ensembles across the United States. As a music education scholar, he has presented professional development sessions throughout the South and Midwest, and his academic writing has been published in Contributions to Music Education.

Goldstein is currently ABD, completing his Ph.D. in Music Education at The Ohio State University. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Instrumental Music Education from Florida State University and a Master’s degree in Instrumental Conducting from Southern Oregon University.