Kevin Niese (Ph.D) serves as Assistant Director of Bands at the University of Maryland. In this appointment, Kevin directs the University Band, the Maryland Pep Band, teaches courses in Marching Pedagogy, and assists with the performance and operations of the Mighty Sound of Maryland. Prior to his recent appointment, Kevin completed his doctoral work at the University of Iowa. At Iowa, his assistantship was quite active, including mentoring student teachers, teaching courses in instrumental conducting, and assisting with the University of Iowa Bands. He was awarded the University of Iowa Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award for his efforts. During his time in Iowa City, Kevin also served as the Symphonic Band Director at Grinnell College and the summer director for the Iowa City New Horizons Band.

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Prior to his Iowa graduate appointment, Kevin completed his master's degree in music education with an emphasis in conducting at Ohio University. At Ohio, Kevin served as an assistant conductor for all university bands, including the Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Communiversity Band, Varsity Pep Band, and the nationally recognized Marching 110. He received the Ronald P. Soceriallli award for his outstanding service and dedication to Ohio University Bands. In the field, he excelled in recruitment and retention and received exceptional ratings in various adjudicated events. As Director of Bands for Vinton County Local Schools (McArthur, OH), Kevin successfully grew the 6-12 instrumental music program while prioritizing community engagement. He would later take on a new appointment with the Nordonia Hills City School District (Macedonia, OH) as the Assistant Director of Bands. At Nordonia, Kevin’s students consistently received exceptional marks in both state (OMEA) and national (BOA) competitive circuits. His public-school teaching included directing a variety of ensembles, including Concert Band (6-12), Marching Band, Jazz Band, Chamber Ensembles, Pit Orchestra, and Pep Band.

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Kevin actively engages in creative scholarship and has presented and published scholarly work for the Iowa Music Educators Association, the Iowa Bandmasters Association, the Big Ten Academic Alliance, the National Band Association, and the Collegiate Band Directors National Association. His primary research interests include disability studies in music education, adjudication practices in secondary music, and experiences within marching band culture. The North Central Ohio native is also a sought-after drill-writer for competitive and festival marching bands throughout the United States. Kevin has designed marching band shows for various institutions, including Ohio University, Ball State University, University of Dayton, University of Wyoming, and the University of Iowa. Kevin continues to support secondary programs as a drill writer and clinician for competitive and festival-style high school marching bands throughout the Midwest.