MVHS Selects Dr. Kathryn Spangler as Dir. of Bands

The Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation (MVCSC) is pleased to announce that Mt. Vernon High School (MVHS) has hired Dr. Kathryn Spangler as the Director of Bands, pending MVCSC Board of Trustees’ approval on Monday, June 19. She comes to Mt. Vernon most recently from her role as the associate director of bands and director of athletic bands at Indiana State University. Dr. Spangler has a vast 25 years of experience leading music departments in K-12 public schools and higher education. 

During her time at Indiana State University, Dr. Spangler increased student enrollment in the marching band by 20 percent in one year, while also providing a high-quality concert experience for the wind orchestra and concert bands. Before her tenure in higher education, she spent three years at Triton Central High School leading the marching band to three state finals. She also led their indoor percussion group to achieve top placements for three years with an additional state championship in 2017. To continue the accolades, their concert and jazz bands received all ISSMA gold ratings and also received the ISSMA All-Music Award all three years of her tenure there.

Dr. Spangler shared, “I am excited about the opportunity to join the team at Mt. Vernon and contribute to the school’s tradition of excellence in music education. Collaboration and communication with students, staff, parents and community members is a high priority for me to continue the growth and success of the band program. I am looking forward to sharing innovative curriculum in a tailored approach to foster individual student talents and needs.”

MVHS Principal Mrs. Brooke Tharp shares, “Dr. Spangler’s vast experience in leading successful music programs made her an ideal candidate for the Director of Bands position. The greater interview committee, consisting of music department staff, parents, and students, provided very favorable feedback, and I’m grateful for their participation. I am looking forward to seeing Dr. Spangler grow the band and music department and provide a high-quality musical experience for our students.”

Dr. Spangler received her bachelor of arts music degree from Butler University. She also received her masters of music performance and music education from Butler University. She followed those degrees with a doctor of arts in music education and educational psychology from Ball State University. 

Dr. Spangler was awarded one of the Most Impactful Professors Award in 2023 at Indiana State University. She was honored to be named a guest conductor in the All-Star Band and the Indiana Bandmasters Association All-District Band. Dr. Spangler also received the Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction award in 2016.

She also has noteworthy performance experiences, most recently performing with Darius Rucker in 2022. In addition, Dr. Spangler currently performs with the Indianapolis Saxophone Quartet, Indiana Wind Symphony and the Excalibur Brass Band.

Prior to her time at Indiana State University, Dr. Spangler was the director of bands, assistant professor of music and chair of the performing arts department for five years at Marian University. She has also served as a graduate teaching assistant in the music department at both Butler and Ball State. Besides serving as the director of bands at Triton Central High School, she also was the band director at Shortridge Magnet High School for Law and Public Policy, Gambold Middle School (Indianapolis Public Schools), assistant band director at Sheridan, Bremen, and began her career in 1998 as the band director at Bishop Chatard High School.