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H.T. Monte
FOUNDER OF MARCHING TO HARMONY
Harold T. Monte is one of the world's most renowned band directors with emphasis on the Middle School level. He is a native of Washington, D.C., whose life has been shaped by service, music, education, and family. As a proud military veteran who served in both the United States Army and the National Guard, he developed a strong foundation of discipline, leadership, and commitment—values that would later define his career as an educator and community leader.
For more than 25 years, Mr. Monte has dedicated his professional life to teaching middle and high school band, mentoring young musicians, and building programs that inspire excellence both on and off the field. His passion for instrumental music began early and continued through his college years at Albany State University, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and served as Drum Major for three years. His lasting impact on the university’s music program later earned him the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for his service and dedication to the Concert and Marching Rams Show Bands. Continuing his commitment to education and leadership, he later earned a Master’s Degree in Music Education from Anderson University and a second Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Administration from Louisiana State University–Shreveport.
Prior to relocating to Atlanta, Georgia, Mr. Monte lived in Detroit, Michigan, where he served as President of the Detroit Wind Symphony for two years, further expanding his influence in the performing arts community. Today, he serves as Director of Bands for the Atlanta Falcons Drumline and Sousaphone Section, where he continues to mentor performers and lead high-level musical productions.
In 2018, recognizing the growing need to preserve and strengthen instrumental music programs, Mr. Monte founded Marching To Harmony, Incorporated. Through this organization, he works tirelessly to provide resources, mentorship, scholarships, and performance opportunities for underserved students, school music programs, and community organizations that support instrumental music. His mission is simple yet powerful: to ensure that instrumental music remains alive, accessible, and impactful in public schools and communities across the nation.
Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Monte has directed and participated in performances on some of the country’s most prestigious stages, including the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California; Carnegie Hall in New York City; the America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Detroit with Nick Cannon; the official band featured on BET’s television series The Quad; and the first-ever live Super Bowl commercial performance with Opendoor Real Estate. Each performance reflects his dedication to excellence and his commitment to giving students and performers opportunities to experience world-class stages.
Above all, Mr. Monte considers his greatest accomplishments to be his family and the lives he has helped shape through music education. He is a devoted husband and proud father of three sons, all of whom chose to serve their country by enlisting in the United States Army, traveling to places such as Germany, Kuwait, and South Korea. He is also a proud grandfather who cherishes time spent with his grandchildren—Baby Luv, Jamie-Lee III, Princess Ty, and Miracle—who continue to inspire his work and legacy.
In his personal time, Mr. Monte enjoys playing the drum set, fishing, riding his pontoon boat, and spending meaningful time with his family. Whether in the classroom, on the performance field, or within the community, Harold T. Monte remains committed to a lifelong mission of leadership, service, and ensuring that the power of music continues to transform lives for generations to come.