David Kehler

Wind Ensemble and Professor of Music | Director of Bands

Since 2009, David Kehler has served as Director of Bands at Kennesaw State University where he oversees all aspects of the University's band program while serving as Music Director and Conductor of the KSU Wind Ensemble. Read more

An advocate of new music, Professor Kehler has commissioned leading composers to write new works for wind ensemble including Michael Markowski, Joel Puckett, James Stephenson, Christopher Theofenidis, and an upcoming commission by Pulitzer Prize winner, Joseph Schwantner. In addition, the KSU Wind Ensemble has been featured on 90.1 FM (WABE- Atlanta public radio), and continues to garner praise from composers including Steven Bryant, Karel Husa, David Lang, David Maslanka, Scott McAllister, and Joel Puckett. In 2012, the KSU Wind Ensemble was a featured ensemble and hosted the Southern Division College Band Directors /National Band Association Conference. In 2013, the KSU Wind Ensemble was the winner of the 2013 American Prize for best Wind Ensemble/Concert Band performance in the United States. In addition to his ensemble responsibilities, Dr. Kehler teaches courses in instrumental conducting, wind literature and symphonic repertoire.

Previously, David Kehler served The University of Texas at Austin as a Graduate Conducting Associate receiving a Doctor of Musical Arts degree. From 2001-2009, Dr. Kehler served as Associate Conductor of America's Premier Windband; The Dallas Wind Symphony where he was the director of the Dallas Wind Symphony International Fanfare Project. In addition, Dr. Kehler conducted the Dallas Wind Symphony throughout Texas, including the annual Labor Day Concert at the Dallas Arboretum, various Chautauqua festivals, holiday concerts, and a formal gala presented by the United States Armed Forces with all of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in attendance.

While in Texas, Dr. Kehler was also Founder and Conductor of the GDYO Wind Symphony, an ensemble affiliated with the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestras, Inc. During his ten years of service, the GDYO Wind Symphony established itself as one of the premier youth wind ensembles in the United States. They were a featured ensemble at the Texas Bandmasters Association/National Band Association Convention in San Antonio, Texas, and were heard internationally on "From the Top", a syndicated radio program featuring the finest young classical musicians in the country. In addition, the GDYO Wind Symphony participated in exchange concerts with the Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony and performed with Jeff Nelson, former horn of the Canadian Brass. In the summer of 2008, the GDYO Wind Symphony embarked on an extensive two-week tour of China, performing at all of the major music conservatories throughout China and Hong Kong.

Previous university appointments were at Southern Methodist University, the University of Rhode Island, and Bay City Western High School, in Bay City, Michigan. Growing up in Michigan, Dr. Kehler received his Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from Michigan State University. Professor Kehler is an active conductor and clinician throughout the United States, and has memberships in many musical organizations including CBDNA, NBA, NAfME, Phi Beta Mu, GMEA and others.