Andy King & Max Jones join Purdue’s music faculty

Two of Indiana's top high school directors are joining Purdue Bands' faculty to fill positions recreated by the retirements of Bill Kisinger and Dr. David Leppla.

Max Jones, who took a sabbatical to work with the Purdue “All-American” Marching Band in the fall of 2005, returns on a permanent basis. Jones currently serves as the Director of Bands and Director of Music at Concord High School in Elkhart where he's worked for the past 18 years. At Purdue, he will serve as assistant director of the marching band, director of Purdue Concert Band and Boiler Brass men's basketball band.

Andy King, director of orchestras at Carmel High School, has been hired as a visiting professor to lead the Purdue Symphony Orchestra and Collegiate Band in 2006-07.

Acting Director of Purdue University Bands Jay S. Gephart announced both hirings. Gephart, Purdue's former orchestra director, will serve as Director of the “All-American” Marching Band beginning July 1 as well as serving as department head and continuing to lead the Purdue Symphonic Band. Jones' and King's appointments are also effective July 1.

More about Jones: Max Jones' marching bands have been among the finest in the nation, placing first in the Indiana State School Music Association state marching band competition three times in the last ten years.  His marching band has been a state finalist in that competition each of the past 18 years. 

The Concord Minuteman Marching Band has also performed in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Fiesta Bowl Parade, the Hollywood Christmas Parade and the Gimble's Thanksgiving Day Parade.  His symphonic band has been a finalist in the Indiana State School Music Association state finals each year during his tenure at Concord, placing as high as third place. 

Jones has also served as President of the Indiana State School Music Association and has been a member of numerous boards and organizations supporting music education.  He is a graduate of Ball State University with a Bachelor's of Music Education and Master's of Music Education degrees.  

More about King: In 2001 and 2002, King's top orchestra at Carmel was named state champion by the Indiana State School Music Association. He leads an orchestra program at Carmel which boasts more than 325 students in six orchestras, and has organized its chamber music program consisting of more than 100 students.