FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps Welcomes Kelsey Brunson as Corps Director
Tempe, AZ – September, 2026
The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps, a nationally recognized organization dedicated to excellence in music and the performing arts, proudly announces the appointment of Kelsey Brunson as Corps Director, effective September, 2026.
Kelsey brings an impressive portfolio of experience in music education, administrative leadership, drum corps experience, and community engagement. She currently serves as Admin Manager in the Georgia Tech College of Design in Atlanta, GA. Kelsey previously served as Operations Manager for the Georgia Tech School of Music and came to Tech with a decade of experience in K-12 education, both in the classroom and at the district level. Coming from a long line of music educators, she taught middle school band at South Hall Middle School in Gainesville, GA where she was awarded “Teacher of the Year” for the 2018 – 2019 school year. Bands under her direction consistently earned superior ratings at GMEA sponsored festivals and Large Group Performance Evaluation.
As a percussionist, Kelsey has performed with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra, the Ludwig Symphony Orchestra, and the Colorado Wind Ensemble. She has been a featured performer at the Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA) In-Service Conference and the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC). Kelsey was a member of The Cadets Drum Corps from 2010 – 2012, serving as Front Ensemble Section Leader in 2012. She was Corps Manager for The Cadets’ 2023 season and has been on the Admin Team with The Academy Drum Corps since 2024.
Kelsey earned Bachelor of Music degrees in both Percussion Performance and Music Education from Columbus State University, and a Master of Music Education degree from Reinhardt University. She is currently finishing her MBA at Georgia Tech’s Scheller College of Business with degree concentrations in Leadership and Sustainability.
Over the past year, Kelsey has served as the Tour Director of The Academy, where her exceptional leadership has continued to inspire and enrich the lives of both members and staff. Through her dedication and vision, she has fostered an environment of growth, excellence, and community within the organization.
“We are thrilled to introduce Kelsey Brunson as Corps Director,” said Matt Chamberlin, President of the Arizona Academy of the Performing Arts Board of Directors. “Her exceptional track record in higher ed leadership, music education, and her dedication to fostering excellence and innovation will be invaluable as we continue to build on The Academy’s legacy of inspiring and empowering the next generation of performers.”
Josh Thye, Executive Director, added “Kelsey has spent her career building communities through music and education. Her leadership will not only strengthen our organization but also deepen our impact on the lives of our members, staff, and the broader community we serve.”
On a personal note, Kelsey lives in Stone Mountain, GA with her husband D.I. and their two rescue dogs: Chipper and Bongo.
The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps is extremely fortunate to have Kelsey’s leadership in continuing the organization’s legacy of inspiring young musicians and fostering excellence in the performing arts.
