OUR CONDUCTOR

Jay S. Gephart was appointed Artistic Director of the Kokomo Park Band in 2015.   He joined the faculty of Purdue University in the fall of 1995 after having completed 12 years as a public school band director.  In 2006, he was appointed the Al G. Wright Chair of University Bands and Orchestras and currently serves as Director of the Purdue “All-American” Marching Band & the Purdue University Wind Ensemble.   Professor  Gephart received a Master of Music Degree in Performance with High Distinction from Indiana University in 1988. He has since served as a guest conductor, clinician, lecturer and adjudicator both nationally and internationally.  Gephart has commissioned numerous works for wind band, including “Anthem” by Steven Bryant which was premiered in 2011 celebrating the 125th Anniversary of Purdue Bands. 

Professor Gephart has traveled most recently with his various Purdue ensembles to Beijing, China prior to the Olympics and to the  New York Wind Band Festival at Carnegie Hall.  He has conducted various All-State Bands and has served as a clinician at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago.   In his career he has been the recipient of many awards and honors including the Indiana Outstanding Bandmaster Award and the Purdue University New Professional Award.

Mr. Gephart has served as President of the Big Ten Band Director’s Association and currently holds the position of Treasurer of the John Philip Sousa Foundation.   He is on the board of the National Band Association,  was elected to membership in the prestigious American Bandmaster’s Association and has served as President of the Indiana Bandmaster’s Association.