Brent Burris » Judges Directory

Biographical Info

Brent Burris has served as band director for Muhlenberg County HS, Muhlenberg South HS, Glasgow HS, and Cumberland County HS. Previously, he served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Western Kentucky University. He holds Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Arts in Education degrees from WKU, and a Rank I in Educational Leadership from Eastern Kentucky University.

Mr. Burris has served as staff coordinator for the Castle High School band in Newburgh, IN (a 30-time ISSMA finalist), and as a supervisor/interventions specialist for the Muhlenberg Renaissance Center. The Castle band has been named a multiple BOA Grand National finalists, as well as the BOA Class AAA National Champion, Clarksville Regional champion, the Indianapolis Super Regional class champion, the Louisville Regional class champion, and was recipient of the Sudler Shield in 2016. Bands under his direction have made multiple appearances at the KMEA In-Service Conference, performed at the Dixie Classic Grand National Adjudicators Festival (Festival Honor Band), and have received the National Band Association’s Citation of Excellence. High School and Middle School concert bands under his direction have been identified with KMEA’s Exemplary Performance Status. Marching bands under his direction have been named Bands of America Grand National Semi-finalists, KMEA finalists, and have also earned numerous distinguished and grand champion awards. The 2007 Muhlenberg South Marching Suns were named the KMEA Class AA State Champion, and were the Class AA Runner-Up in 2008. Students under his direction have been named to the KMEA All-State Symphonic, Concert, and Jazz Bands, University of Kentucky Honors Wind Ensemble, Western Kentucky University Honors Band, Murray State University Quad State, and the Kentucky All-State Baptist Youth Orchestra.

Mr. Burris has served two terms on the KMEA Board of Directors, as well as      President of the Third District Music Educators Association. He has also served on the KMEA Conference Planning Committee, as Band-Chair and Marching Band Committee Representative for District 3, and is a member of Phi Beta Mu and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. He was named Outstanding Young Band Director by Phi Beta Mu for the state of Kentucky in 2003, has been twice included in Who’s Who among America’s Teachers, and has received citations from the Kentucky Senate and House of Representatives. His articles, The Grass Isn’t Always Greener, and Be Committed, were published in editions of the Bluegrass Music News, and he has also been a clinic presenter at the KMEA In-Service Conference. He has served as an adjudicator and clinician in Kentucky, Indiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee, and has received the KMEA 25-year award.