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Kevin Ford (Oldsmar, FL) Kevin Ford is an accomplished educator and musician with a career spanning over 30 years in public education. He is the founder and Director of the Leadership Conservatory for the Arts at Tarpon Springs High School, where he serves as Director of Bands and Magnet Director.
Beyond his work at Tarpon Springs, Mr. Ford is a nationally recognized leadership speaker, clinician, and show designer for marching bands and Drum Corps International. He serves as drill designer for the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps and is a co-founder of Inspire… Music and Entertainment Production Company.
Mr. Ford holds a B.A. in Music Education from the University of Florida and is a member of several professional organizations, including the Florida Bandmasters Association and the Bands of America Advisory Board. He was named a Yamaha Master Educator and featured in School Band and Orchestra Magazine for his innovative approach to leadership in the arts.
His ensembles have performed at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, and international festivals. The Tarpon Springs program has earned the National Band Association’s Blue-Ribbon Award, the John Philip Sousa Sudler Shield, and the Magnet Schools of America National Merit Excellence Award.
Under Mr. Ford’s leadership, the Tarpon Springs Marching Band has won multiple BOA Regional Championships, 16 National Class Championships, the 2014 BOA Grand National Championship, and WGI Scholastic World titles in 2014 and 2016. They also performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2013 and 2022.
Mr. Ford’s awards include the 2021 Inspire Award, 2015 NAfME National Band Director of the Year, and induction into the 2018 Bands of America Hall of Fame. He lives in Tampa Bay with his wife Jeannine and daughters Madison Riele and Brooklyn Avery.