Kelsey Brunson Joins The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps as Corps Manager
The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps is thrilled to announce the newest addition to its administration team, Kelsey Brunson, who will serve as Corps Manager and partnering with the recently appointed Corps Director, Josh Thye.
Kelsey Brunson brings a wealth of experience and a passion for serving others to The Academy. Currently serving as the Administrative Operations Coordinator and Graduate Coordinator for the Georgia Tech School of Music in Atlanta, GA, Kelsey has a decade of experience in K-12 education, including roles in the classroom and at the district level. Her most recent position was as an Executive Assistant for Mapleton Public Schools in Denver, Colorado.
Hailing from a family of music educators, Kelsey’s dedication to music education is evident in her achievements. She was recognized as “Teacher of the Year” for the 2018 – 2019 school year while teaching middle school band at Academies of Discovery in Gainesville, GA. Bands under her direction consistently earned superior ratings at GMEA sponsored festivals, and her students received numerous accolades, including selections for District Honor Band, All-State Honor Band, and multiple collegiate music scholarships.
As a percussionist, Kelsey has an impressive performance history with renowned ensembles such as the Colorado Wind Ensemble, the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra, and the Ludwig Symphony Orchestra. She has been a featured performer at prestigious events like the Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA) In-Service Conference and the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC). Notably, Kelsey served as the Front Ensemble Section Leader for The Cadets Drum Corps from 2010 – 2012 and recently held the position of Corps Manager for The Cadets’ 2023 season.
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 under the mentorship of David Gregory and Dr. Tom Fraschillo. She is affiliated with esteemed organizations, including the National Association for Music Education, the Georgia Music Educators Association, the Percussive Arts Society, and Sigma Alpha Iota Music Fraternity for Women.
Mrs. Brunson currently resides in Stone Mountain, GA, with her husband Daniel-Isaac and their three-legged dog Chipper. As a fervent Atlanta Braves fan, she eagerly anticipates the start of baseball season, optimistically eyeing the team’s triumph in the 2024 World Series.
The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps welcomes Kelsey Brunson with enthusiasm and anticipates the positive impact her expertise and passion for music education will bring to the organization.
Auditions for the 2024 Corps are here!
