Tennessee Governor's School for the Arts

Preston Light

Preston Light

Dr. Preston Light currently serves as Assistant Professor of Tuba and Euphonium at Tennessee Tech University and is Principal Tuba of the Bryan Symphony Orchestra. Previously, he taught tuba and euphonium at Xavier University and Northern Kentucky University.

An active freelancer, Preston has performed with a variety of ensembles. His orchestral experience includes performances with the Cincinnati Symphony and Pops Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony, St. Louis Symphony, Charlotte Symphony, Dayton Philharmonic, Kentucky Symphony, Youngstown Symphony, South Bend Symphony, Richmond (IN) Symphony, Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, Queen City Opera, and the Cincinnati Ballet Orchestra. As a chamber musician he has performed with Summit Brass, the Linton Chamber Music Brass Quintet, and is a member of Cincinnati based Seven Hills Brass Ensemble. Preston has presented masterclasses and recitals across the United States, as well as being a featured soloist with many bands and orchestras.

Preston also has had an accomplished competitive career. He won the 2018 Solo Tuba Competition at the United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” Tuba-Euphonium Workshop, 3rd prize in the 2018 Music Teachers National Association Young Artist Brass Competition, 1st prize at the 2016 Falcone International Tuba Artist Competition, 1st prize in the Mock Band competition at the 2016 International Tuba Euphonium Conference, and won the 2016 Jan and Beattie Wood Concerto Competition at the Brevard Music Center. Preston has also won and placed at many regional conferences hosted by the International Tuba Euphonium Association.

Dr. Light holds a B.M. in Music Education from Tennessee Technological University and a M.M. and D.M.A. from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. His primary instructors include Timothy Northcut, Chris Olka, R. Winston Morris, and Jimmie Self.

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About the School

GPS Address:

624 Old Main Circle Murfreesboro, TN 37132

Google map link here


Mailing Address:

Governor’s School for the Arts 1301 E. Main St. Box 38 Murfreesboro, TN 37132


Our Mission

The Tennessee Governor's School for the Arts exists to provide high quality arts education for gifted and talented high school students in the state of Tennessee. The pre-professional summer curriculum includes individual and group instruction designed to help each student explore and develop his or her talents in music, ballet, theatre, filmmaking, and visual art. About four hours a day, six days a week are spent working in the major area of concentration.  If you are a former student, visit the Governor's School Alumni Center.


The Tennessee Governor's School for the Arts is a three week summer program for rising 11th and 12th grade students in Tennessee. Administered by the State Department of Education, we offer study programs in art, dance, filmmaking, theatre, and music. Students are selected in competitive auditions during the months of January or February. Those eligible are Tennessee residents who attend public, private and home schools within the state. Questions? - Contact Us.