Avon, Ind. – Avon Community School Corporation (ACSC) has hired Kevin Welborn as the new Director of Bands at Avon High School (AHS). Welborn comes to Avon from the University of Alabama following a nationwide search that involved administrators, AHS staff, students, and parents. Welborn replaces retiring Director, Jay Webb. “I was happy to hear that Kevin Welborn was selected as the next leader of the Avon Band program,” says Webb. “His background and experiences will be a huge benefit to an already superstar cast of teachers and instructors.”
According to Webb, “The future at Avon looks very bright.”
“I cannot express how excited and humbled I am,” says Welborn. “The tradition of excellence this band, school, and community uphold is second to none, and with that comes great responsibility.” He adds that he and his wife are excited to move to Avon to begin his new role before the start of the school year.
“Kevin was impressive throughout the interview process, sharing his vision for our program while also asking insightful questions,” says AHS Principal Matt Shockley. “He has had a successful career at the high school and college levels. His emphasis on relationships, teaching with a coaching mentality, and maintaining high expectations quickly convinced us that Kevin was the top candidate to lead our nationally recognized program. I am highly confident in his ability to continue the tradition of excellence expected in all our band programs.
Welborn will lead one of the most successful high school band programs in the US. The Avon Marching Black and Gold and related winter ensembles have amassed 55 State Championships and 16 World and National Championships over the last three decades.
“I have known Kevin Welborn for over 20 years,” says AHS Performing Arts Department Chair and Director of Orchestras Dean Westman, “and I am absolutely thrilled to have him joining us as our new Director of Bands! He is a world-class music educator and conductor, and an even better human being. I can’t wait for Kevin and his amazing wife Karen to join the Avon Family!”
Welborn is pursuing a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Alabama, where he has been Associate Director of Athletic Bands, Director of Pep Bands and Marching Percussion, and Professor of Undergraduate Instrumental Conducting since 2019. He earned his master’s and bachelor’s degrees in music education at the University of Southern Mississippi.
Welborn’s start date will be in early July.
