MHI TOUR DIRECTORS

Tour Director, "Star of Alabama"

Justin P. Ward is currently Director of Bands at Pelham High School (Pelham, AL) and has served in this role since 2014.  Additionally, he is the orchestra director at Asbury United Methodist  Church in Birmingham, AL. 

He previously served as the Associate Director of Bands at Pelham High School from 2011 until 2014 and earlier in his career taught in Myrtle Beach, SC as Director of Bands/Orchestra at Aynor Middle School and the Assistant Director of Bands/Orchestra at Aynor High School. During this time, Mr.  Ward also served on the band staff of Coastal Carolina University.  

Mr. Ward holds a B.S. in Music Education (2005), M.A. (2010) in Music and Secondary  Education, and an Ed.S in Secondary Education and Curriculum Design (2011) from The University of  Alabama. 

Under his direction the Pelham Wind Ensemble has been a featured ensemble at the  2022 & 2018 Alabama Music Educator’s Association In-Service Conference, 2019 Music for All  Southeastern Concert Band Festival, 2017 Kennesaw State University Concert Band Invitational, 2017 UAB Concert Band Invitational, 2016 University of Alabama Honor Band Festival and the 2015  Southeastern United States Concert Band Clinic. While at Pelham, he has earned the National Band Association Citation of  Excellence three times (2016, 2018, 2022) and was also recently inducted as a member of the Phi Beta  Mu International Band Fraternity. 

In January 2013, Justin presented a clinic entitled “Warming up our Concert Bands before MPA: What we  Gleaned from Experts, Experience, Observation, and Research” at the Alabama Music Educator’s  Association In-Service Conference in Montgomery, AL. The research study was published in UPDATE:  Applications of Research for Music Education.

 Justin lives in Hoover, AL with his wife, Kelsey. When he is not teaching and arranging music, he enjoys drawing, learning more about history and architecture, visiting museums, and cooking. Additionally, he and Kelsey enjoy hiking, traveling to national parks, and trying new restaurants/cuisines.  

Tour Director, "Star of Central Texas"

Thomas Turpin currently serves as Director of Bands at Westlake High School in Eanes ISD. Prior to his appointment as Director of Bands in 2024, he served as Director of Bands at Westwood High School in Round Rock ISD. During his 15 years at Westwood High School, Mr. Turpin taught the marching band, all four concert ensembles, and all three symphony orchestras, leading each group to consistent UIL Sweepstakes ratings in Concert and Sightreading Evaluations.

The Wind Ensemble at Westwood HS was named a TMEA 6A Honor Band Finalist, a Mark of Excellence Commended and National Winner, and was a performer at the 77th Annual Midwest Clinic in December of 2023. Mr. Turpin also co-conducted the award-winning Westwood Symphony Orchestra, an ensemble that was invited to perform at the 2019 Midwest Clinic and was most recently selected as the 2024 TMEA Honor Full Orchestra. Prior to his time at Westwood, Mr. Turpin served as Assistant Director of Bands at John Paul Stevens High School in San Antonio, Texas, where he coordinated the marching band program and co-conducted all four concert ensembles and the Jazz Band. 

Mr. Turpin is a proud native of Alabama, where he attended Athens High School and The University of Alabama for his secondary education, earning both his Bachelors and Master of Arts in Music Education. During his time at The University of Alabama, he served as Section Leader, Drum Major, and Graduate Teaching Assistant of the “Million Dollar Band.” Mr. Turpin was also a member of The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps in 2004 and 2005. Mr. Turpin is an active drill designer for marching organizations across the United States, an ensemble clinician, and a leadership consultant. His professional affiliations include Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), Texas Bandmasters Association (TBA), the National Band Association, the Texas Music Adjudicators Association, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and Phi Beta Mu. He has served TMEA as both Region 26 Band Division Chair and Region 26 President.

Executive Directors, "Star of Kansas"

  Mr. Charles Forsyth is a retired vocal music director. He was a highly respected vocal music director and retired after 42 years of teaching. He taught at Wichita State University, Butler County Community College, Rose Hill High School, Andover High School, and Kingman High School.

He received his Bachelor of Music Degree from Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas, and his Master of Music Education Degree from Wichita State University. He has been an active Tenor Soloist, adjudicator and has performed with the Robert Shaw Festival Singers in France, Carnegie Hall and the National ACDA Convention in San Antonio Texas.

Charley and his wife Jodie were a vital part of the Kansas Ambassadors of Music as state coordinators and city coordinators in London for over 25 years. Jodie had been a part of Kansas Ambassadors of Music since 1990. She is the engine that makes all this work! She organizes, plans, and takes care of all aspects of the trip.

Charley & Jodie have worked side by side for 28 years and are currently serving as city coordinators in London.

Tour Director, "Star of Kansas"

 Will Cooper served as the Band Director for the Baldwin City, Kansas Public Schools from 1986-2021 and retired after 35 years of teaching.  During his tenure, the Baldwin Bands consistently earned the highest ratings at state and regional festivals in concert, jazz and marching band and were invited to perform at Walt Disney World on four different occasions.  The band also participated in the Winter Park Music Festival several times, each time winning their division.

Throughout Will's career, he was dedicated to the work of the Kansas Music Educators Association and the Kansas Bandmasters Association. He focused on engaging others in the promotion of music advocacy through his service as President of the "old" KMEA Northeast District in 2002 and as the 2018 inaugural president of the "new" KMEA Northeast District. Will's involvement with the Kansas Bandmasters Association had him serving in various capacities with the state board, including holding the office of KBA President from 1997-1999. He also served as the President of the honorary band fraternity Phi Beta Mu. 

Will has been recognized many times in his career for his excellence as a music educator. He was awarded the "Outstanding Elementary Band Teacher of the Year" and the "Outstanding High School Band Teacher of the Year" from the KMEA Northeast District. Additionally, he was selected as the 2017 "Excellence in Education" award winner from the Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce, and in 2003, the Kansas State Department of Education recognized him as a "Kansas Teacher of the Year" nominee.  Will has been recognized by KMEA and KBA as a Hall of Fame member in both of these state-wide organizations 

Being an active musician is important to Will. He has performed regularly in the Northeast Kansas area with many ensembles including the Free State Brass Band, the DeSoto Brass Band, the Lawrence City Band, the New Horizons Concert Band, and the Crossroads Wind Symphony. He held the principal trumpet chair with the Topeka Symphony Orchestra for over 40 seasons.

Will earned degrees from the University of Kansas (BME) and Kansas State University (MME). 

Tour Director, "Star of Maryland"

  Cindy Williams Stevenson brings decades of expertise and leadership to her role as an adjunct professor at Towson University, where she teaches Woodwind Techniques and supervises student interns. Her work at Towson follows a distinguished 35-year career as a public-school music educator in Maryland.

During her tenure with Baltimore County Public Schools, Mrs. Stevenson served as the Fine Arts Department Chair at Catonsville Middle School and was an instrumental contributor to three district-level curriculum committees. Her ensembles consistently achieved excellent and superior ratings at adjudicated events, reflecting her commitment to musical excellence and student growth.

Her leadership extends beyond the classroom. Mrs. Stevenson is a past president of the Maryland Band Directors Association and served as manager of the state middle and high school band festivals for nearly two decades. She has presented workshops at both county and state professional development conferences and remains active as an adjudicator and clinician throughout Maryland.

In recognition of her enduring contributions to music education, Mrs. Stevenson was inducted into the inaugural class of the Alpha Iota Chapter of Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity in 2023, where she also served as the chapter’s first president.

Tour Director, "Star of Maryland"

  John R. Stevenson is a music educator with over 30 years of experience teaching instrumental music in Pennsylvania and Maryland. He currently leads the band, orchestra, jazz, and music technology programs at South Carroll High School, where he has expanded the program significantly and cultivated a culture of trust, creativity, and excellence.

Mr. Stevenson holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Gettysburg College (Magna Cum Laude), a Master of Music in Music Education from The Peabody Conservatory of Music, and additional graduate coursework from The University of the Arts. He is a member of Pi Kappa Lambda, the National Band Association, and Phi Beta Mu, the International Bandmasters Fraternity.  He served as President of the Maryland Band Directors Association from 2018 – 2020  and on the Executive Board of the Maryland Music Educators Association from 2016 – 2022.

Known for his student-centered philosophy of “teaching in the rests,” Mr. Stevenson prioritizes relationships, inclusivity, and community. His work as an adjudicator, clinician, curriculum writer, and presenter reflects his deep commitment to music education. A former student wrote, “He always puts his students first… he takes time to know about our lives.” Mr. Stevenson lives in Catonsville, MD with his wife Cindy and their two beloved cats, Thelma and Louise.

Tour Director, "Star of Montana"

 Kimberly (Kim) Lorengo was born and raised in Great Falls, Montana.  She grew up in a musical family with a mother who taught her to play the piano and three younger sisters with whom she spent many hours together singing.

After graduating from the University of Idaho with her degree in music education, Kim took her first teaching job in Shelby, Montana teaching 6-12 choir.  She spent two years there, and then took her dream job teaching 4-12 orchestra and 7-12 choir in Anaconda, Montana where she has spent the past 24 years.

In addition to teaching, Kim has spent time playing the viola with the Butte Symphony, serving as the Hope Lutheran Church Accompanist and Youth Group Leader, and singing/playing rock-n-roll with the John Andrews Band.  Professionally, she has served as the MHSA Music Committee Orchestra Rep since 2009 and past president of the Montana String Teachers Association, participates as a Teacher Leader with NAfME’s CAN Grant, and most recently holds the position as president of the Montana Music Educators Association.

Although she and her husband, Bryan, are very busy professionals in each of their fields, their greatest accomplishments are their three beautiful children: Logan, 18; Carter, 16; and Kendyl, 14.

Tour Directors, "Star of North Dakota"

Since 2013, Mr. Herold has served as the Director of Bands at Legacy High School in Bismarck, ND where he conducts the Wind Ensemble, Freshmen Band, Jazz Ensemble #1, Saber Athletic Band, and the Legacy Marching Sabers. Prior to starting at Legacy High School, Mr. Herold was the Associate Director of Bands at Bismarck Century High School and he taught band at Wayzata Central Middle School in Plymouth, Minnesota. 

Mr. Herold holds degrees from the University of Mary with bachelor degrees in Music Education and Percussion Performance. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University St. Paul.  

In 2020, Mr. Herold was presented with the distinction of being named the North Dakota Band Directors Association Jazz Educator of the Year. In 2022, the Legacy High School Wind Ensemble was named the North Dakota Governor’s Band.

In addition to his classroom teaching responsibilities, Mr. Herold has been active as a performer and percussion instructor. He has served as the President of the North Dakota Music Educators Association and the North Dakota Band Directors Association. His professional affiliations include the National Association for Music Education, North Dakota Music Educators Association, North Dakota Band Directors Association, North Dakota Educators Association, Phi Beta Mu and the Percussive Arts Society. He also serves as a member of the North Dakota All-State Committee as the chair of the All-State Band.

Mrs. Herold is a practicing licensed massage therapist and with her own business. While living in Minneapolis, she was an executive assistant at two large companies. In high school Mrs. Herold sang in choir and played the flute in band, which is where Mr. and Mrs. Herold met.

Mark and Sarah reside in Bismarck, ND with their two sons Alex and William.. They enjoy traveling, listening to live music and being active as volunteers in their children's activities.

Tour Director, "Star of Pennsylvania"

 Dr. Adam F. Brennan recently retired from Mansfield University where he was Director of Bands and Professor of Percussion Studies at Mansfield University from 1995-2025.  He served as Chair of the Music Department for six years, Vice-president and President of the University Senate, and five terms as President of the Pennsylvania Collegiate Bandmasters Association.  From 1989-1995, Dr. Brennan was Associate Director of Bands and Percussion at Western Illinois University.  Prior to this, he served as Director of Bands at Kankakee Valley High School in Wheatfield, Indiana.

Dr. Brennan received his Bachelor of Arts degree in music education and a Master of Arts degree in theory and composition, with an emphasis in composition, from Western Illinois University.  He earned his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in instrumental conducting from the University of Oklahoma where he studied with Dr. William K. Wakefield.

In addition, he is the founder and conductor of The Great Lakes Wind Symphony, a professional wind band, and is co-founder and co-owner of AllThingsBand.com, a web-based publishing company owned by B&P Music Productions.  His compositions are listed and available on that website.  An accomplished composer, conductor, author, drill designer, and performer, Dr. Brennan remains a much sought-after clinician and guest artist.

Dr. Brennan has extensive experience as an arranger and consultant for several DCI corps.  Additionally, his ensembles have performed internationally in Canada, France, London, and Germany, including appearances in the 2012 World Olympic Games.  The wind ensemble and alumni also performed in historic Carnegie Hall to a standing ovation in May of 2025.  

Dr. Brennan’s professional memberships include the College Band Director’s National Association, the Music Educator’s National Conference and the Pennsylvania Music Educator’s Association, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia National Music Fraternity, Tau Beta Sigma and Kappa Kappa Psi Band Fraternities (honorary member), and the Autism Society of America.  An advocate for autistic children, Dr. Brennan is actively engaged in promoting autism awareness and educational rights for special needs children and was a founding member and member of the Board of Directors for the Tioga County Autism Coalition (TASC).  Dr. Brennan resides in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania with his wife and their six children. 

Tour Director, "Star of South Carolina"

 Sue Samuels serves Furman University, her alma mater, as Director of Bands and Coordinator of Music Education Studies. Since she arrived at Furman in 2019, the Furman Symphonic Band has received invitational performances at the South Carolina Music Educators Conference (2022) and the Grainger Festival in Chicago (2022), and the Marching Band performed in Dublin, Ireland’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade March 2023 and most recently performed as part of the Festival of the States at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii in January of 2025.

Prior to her arrival at Furman, Dr. Samuels served as Director of Arts at Randolph School in Huntsville, Alabama, Director of Bands at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Director of Bands at WT Woodson High School in Fairfax, Virginia, Assistant Director of Bands at the University of Georgia, and Assistant Director of Bands at Lassiter High School in Marietta Georgia. As a high school band director, Dr. Samuels led bands in successful performances at the Bands of America National Concert Band Festival , the Midwest Clinic, and Bands of America Regional and Grand National Championships. She has served students, parents, and the music education community for more than 39 years.

Dr. Samuels organizes the Furman University Band Day and the Honor Band Symposium events for high school students, the Furman Summer Band and Orchestra Camp, and the annual summer Lakeside Concert Series. She also serves as state chair for the National Band Association and is active in the College Band Director’s National Association and the Music Educator’s National Conference.

Dr. Samuels received her Bachelors Degree in Music Education from Furman University, her Masters Degree in Conducting from Georgia State University, and earned her Ph.D. in Music Education from Auburn University.

In addition to her work as a band director, Dr. Samuels enjoys being a mom to her son, Andrew, whom she adopted from Ethiopia in 2010.

Tour Director, "Star of Southeast Texas"

Andy Easton is currently Director of Bands and Fine arts Department Chairman at Tomball Memorial High School. Our 2026 European tour will be his eighth!  At Tomball Memorial, he conducts the Wind Symphony, Silver Band, Jazz Band Class, The Roarin’ Blue Band (TMHS Marching Band), TMHS Pit Orchestra, and co-conducts the Symphony Orchestra.

Prior to his appointment at TMHS, Mr. Easton taught at Tomball High School and Waller High School. He is a graduate of Katy High School and holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Texas Tech University and a Master of Education from Lamar University. While at Texas Tech, he studied trumpet with Will Strieder and music education with Keith Bearden and served as President of the Goin’ Band From Raiderland.

Bands under Mr. Easton’s direction have earned several UIL Sweepstakes awards, many Best in Class and Outstanding Performance and Caption Awards, and the United States Marine Corps Esprit de Corps Award. In their short history, The TMHS Wind Symphony has advanced to the TMEA State Honor Band Contest four times and The Roarin’ Blue Band has competed at the Texas UIL State Marching Band Contest seven times.

Mr. Easton has presented professional development sessions across Texas, including at the TMEA Clinic and Convention and has been published in The Southwestern Musician magazine. He currently serves as the TMEA Region IX and Area F Band Division Chairman. His professional affiliations include the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Texas Jazz Educators Association, Texas Music Adjudicators Association, Fellowship of Christian Musicians, Kappa Kappa Psi National Band Fraternity, and Phi Beta Mu.

Mr. Easton resides in Tomball, TX with his wife Kim, an Art Teacher in Tomball ISD. They are blessed with two musical daughters, Arden (oboe) and Kenna (percussion).