Christopher Shumick
Director of Bands
The 2024-2025 school year is Chris Shumick’s thirteenth year as the Director of Bands at Milton High School in Fulton County and twenty-first as a music educator in the Georgia Public Schools. Prior to his appointment at Milton, he served as the inaugural band director at Woodland High School in Henry County and previously taught at Jonesboro High School in Clayton County. Originally from Alliance, Ohio, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Bowling Green State University, and both Master’s and Education Specialist’s degrees from The University of Georgia. Ensembles under his direction have consistently received superior ratings at GMEA concert and marching band events and the Milton Band has been awarded the Georgia Music Educators Association Exemplary Performance Award and the National Band Association’s Blue Ribbon Program of Excellence. Under his leadership, the Milton Marching Band has been named a Bands of America regional finalist on multiple occasions and has twice performed in the New York City Veterans Day Parade and also in the Hollywood Christmas parade in Los Angeles, California. Under his direction, the Milton Wind Ensemble has received invitations to perform at the University of Alabama Honor Band Festival, The University of South Carolina Band Clinic, The University of Georgia’s January Music Festival, Georgia State University’s “Bands of Distinction” Honor Clinic, the Georgia Music Educators Association In-Service Conference in Athens and Savannah, the Kennesaw State University Band Invitational, Emory University, and the Music for All Southeastern Concert Band Regional. Additionally, the Milton Wind Ensemble has been named a Commended and State-Level Winner in the Foundation for Music Education’s Mark of Excellence National Wind Band Honors. A member of Phi Beta Mu Bandmasters’ Fraternity, Mr. Shumick is a national quarter-finalist for the Grammy award in music education, a twelve-time recipient of the National Band Association’s Citation of Excellence, and, as the conductor, was the recipient of the Shuler Hensley award for “Best Pit Orchestra” at the Georgia High School Musical Theater Awards. Mr. Shumick also holds the position of Associate Conductor with the Atlanta Wind Symphony and frequently serves as an adjudicator and clinician for marching and concert band events throughout the state. Mr. Shumick is currently serving a two year term as state band chair for the Georgia Music Educators Association. |
Kevin Kenney
Assistant Director and Percussion Director
Kevin Kenney is in his sixth year as Assistant Director of Bands at Milton High School. Mr. Kenney is an active performer, clinician, arranger, and educator in the Atlanta area and previously served as the Assistant Band Director/Percussion Director at North Forsyth High School. In addition to his duties at Milton, he is also the Front Ensemble Arranger and Coordinator for the Atlanta Quest Indoor Drumline. Mr. Kenney has earned a Master’s Degree in Percussion Performance from Texas Christian University and his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Jacksonville State University. While at TCU, Kevin was an instructor for the Marching Band, PASIC Indoor Drumline, Percussion Ensembles, and Steel Bands. He has performed at the Percussion Arts Society International Convention multiple times in the Marimba Competition, Showcase Concerts, and the Marching Festival. He has also performed internationally multiple times as a soloist, as a member of the Kenney Percussion Duo, and as a member of the TCU Symphony Orchestra. Kevin has studied privately with Dr. Brian West, Dr. Richard Gipson, Mr. Clint Gillespie, Dr. Tony McCutchen, and Dr. Todd Mueller. Mr. Kenney has been heavily involved with the marching activity as a performer over the years including being a member of The Cavaliers, Spirit of JSU, Memphis Sound, and Music City Mystique Drum and Bugle Corps. He has also taught and arranged for multiple WGI, BOA, and PASIC indoor groups throughout the country. Kevin is a member of the Percussive Arts Society and a proud endorser of Innovative Percussion. Kevin and his wife Claire (Assistant Band Director at Otwell Middle School in Forsyth County) reside in Alpharetta, Georgia. |