Dr. Erika Svanoe is the Director of Bands at Bemidji State University, where she is responsible for the direction and operations of the Wind Ensemble, Chamber Winds, Symphonic Band, Red Line Swingers, instrumental methods, instrumental conducting, single reed techniques, and the clarinet studio.

Originally from Whitewater, Wisconsin, Dr. Svanoe earned her DMA in Conducting from Ohio State University in 2009 where she studied with Dr. Russel Mikkelson and served as the Conducting Associate for OSU Bands. 

While at OSU, she studied clarinet with James Pyne. She earned a Master of Music degree in wind conducting from Oklahoma State University and a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

Prior to her appointment at BSU, Dr. Svanoe was the Director of Athletic Bands at the University of New Hampshire where she directed the UNH Wildcat Marching Band and Pep Band, Jazz Band II, as well as other courses in the music department. She also taught middle and high school band in Mukwonago, Wisconsin.

Dr. Svanoe is a member of
several professional organizations 
including the College Band Directors National Association, College Music Society, and the Music Educators National Conference. She is an honorary member of Kappa Kappa Psi, and a member of Pi Kappa Lambda, the National Music Honor Society. Dr. Svanoe has served as an adjudicator and clinician in New Hampshire, Maine, Minnesota, North Dakota, Illinois, and Wisconsin.