The Arkansas Bandmaster’s Association has named Don Tyson School of Innovation Director of Bands Jeff Kee as the 2026 Arkansas Bandmaster of the Year.
“Being selected as the 2026 Arkansas Bandmaster of the Year is an incredible honor and one that I accept with great humility,” Kee said.
He said he’s in awe to be among the more than 50 years of past award recipients, such as Pat Ellison, the Springdale High School band director in 1991.
“I have always admired those directors and the impact they have made on students and music education in our state,” Kee said. “To now be counted among them is something I never imagined, and I am deeply grateful for the confidence placed in me.”
The Arkansas Bandmaster of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding band director who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, excellence in music education, service to the profession and a lasting impact on students and fellow educators throughout Arkansas.
“I have been blessed to spend nearly three decades in music education, serving students in Arkansas and helping them grow not only as musicians but also as young men and women of character,” Kee said.
Kee said he’s had the privilege of teaching at schools with outstanding students, supportive administrators, dedicated colleagues and wonderful communities.
“Today, I serve as director of instrumental music at Don Tyson School of Innovation in Springdale, where our goal is to provide meaningful musical experiences that inspire excellence, creativity, and a lifelong love of music,” he said. “While performances and awards are rewarding, the greatest joy has always been watching former students succeed in life and knowing that music played a small part in helping shape who they have become.”
Kee continues a tradition of excellence, with the DTSOI Wind Symphony being been named a Arkansas Reserve State Concert Band Champion twice, while the school's Middle School Symphonic Band and Girls Treble Choir have each been selected as Arkansas State Honor Ensembles, according to the Bandmasters Association. Under his leadership, the music department has earned consistent superior ratings and statewide recognition for excellence in concert performance, chamber music, jazz, and solo and ensemble events. His students have also been selected as Regional and All-State honor ensembles, earned numerous individual honors and have continued their musical studies at colleges and universities throughout the nation.
In addition to his work in the classroom, the association said Kee has been an active leader in Arkansas music education. He has mentored young directors, served as an adjudicator and clinician throughout the region, presented professional development sessions and contributed to numerous professional organizations dedicated to advancing instrumental music education.
The Arkansas Bandmaster of the Year recognition is not about one person, Kee said, stressing it represents the countless students, parents, colleagues, mentors, administrators, friends and family members who have supported and encouraged him throughout his career.
“I am especially thankful for my wonderful wife, Cindy, my daughter, Allison, my mom and dad, whose example continues to inspire me, and my entire family for their unwavering love and support,” he said. “I also give God all the glory for allowing me to spend my career doing something I truly love. I hope this award serves as a reminder of the incredible impact music educators have on the lives of young people every single day, and I am honored to represent our profession in this way.”