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Biography

Kevin Kessler is director of athletic bands and assistant professor of music. He directs the Pride of the Dakotas Marching Band, Pep Bands and the Concert Band. He also teaches Instrumental Methods and Materials, Supervision and Administration of School Music, Marching Band Pedagogy and is a Clinical Mentor for student teachers. Dr. Kessler earned his B.M.E. from South Dakota State University, where he studied trumpet and conducting with John Colson. He earned his M.M. from the American Band College of Southern Oregon University, and a D.M.A. in band conducting with a minor in music education from the University of Iowa, where he studied conducting with Dr. Richard Mark Heidel, arranging and marching band drill design with Mr. Kevin Kastens, and euphonium with Mr. John Manning. Prior to this appointment, Dr. Kessler served as a band director for 14 years in the Brandon Valley, South Dakota school district, where his concert and marching bands consistently earned top rankings and ratings at region and national contests.
Dr. Kessler is an active arranger and marching band drill designer. His drill design and musical arrangements have been performed by several college marching bands across the country. He is also active as an adjudicator, clinician and guest conductor. Dr. Kessler holds memberships in Phi Beta Mu, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, South Dakota Bandmasters, Tau Beta Sigma (honorary), College Band Directors National Association, and is state chair for the National Band Association.