Travis W. Kimber
Travis W. Kimber is beginning his 24th year as a music educator and his 2nd year as the Director of Bands at Valdosta High School. Bands under Mr. Kimber’s direction have traveled the world performing at prestigious events locally regionally, nationally, and internationally by marching band, concert band, and jazz band. From 2001 – 2019 Mr. Kimber served as the Director of Bands at Martin Luther King, Jr. High School in Lithonia, GA. Martin Luther King, Jr. High School Marching Band, better known as the "Kings of Halftime" became the first American marching band to perform in Johannesburg, South Africa. The band served as the exhibition band for the 2006 Field Band Foundations South African National Championships. The “Kings of Halftime” also participated in the 2017 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, CA and were bestowed the honor of being the lead band/step-off band.
Mr. Kimber’s Wind Ensembles and Concert Bands have performed at the Columbus State University Honor Bands of Georgia Clinic, the Kennesaw State University Concert Band Invitational, the HBCU College Band Director's Consortium, the University of Alabama Honor Band Festival, and the 2011 National Concert Band Festival hosted by Bands of America and Music for All in Indianapolis, IN. Most recently Mr. Kimber directed bands at the Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas, TX at the 2018 Dallas Winds Invitational Windband Festival. In 2019 the Mr. Kimber had a group perform at the University of Georgia for the 69th annual January Band Festival in Athens, GA and the Music for All Southeastern Regional Band Festival at Georgia State University.
Mr. Kimber's teaching philosophy is "Music education is an art-form used to cultivate a masterpiece of human potential". He is a firm believer that educationally sound and meaningful performance opportunities can provide great impetus for students to participate in school music programs. Because of this belief Mr. Kimber co-founded and co-organizes the Atlanta Metropolitan Area Music Festival. The Atlanta Metropolitan Area Music Festival is a newly formed festival that highlights high school and middle school concert bands and concert choirs.
Mr. Kimber’s affiliations include the Georgia Music Educators Association, the National Association for Music Education, and Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity. Mr. Kimber is also a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Mr. Kimber received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education from Florida A&M University where he studied under the Dr. William P. Foster and Dr. Julian E. White. He earned his Masters Degree in Music Education from Anderson University.
Mr. Kimber is married to the lovely Tangela Kimber and together they have two children, Angela and Andrew.
