Mr. David Starnes served as Assistant Professor in the School of Music at Western Carolina University (NC) from 2011-2020 as the Director of Athletic Bands. From 2000-2011, he served as the founding Director of Bands at Kennesaw Mountain High School in Kennesaw, Georgia. Prior to his retirement from a 34-year career, he served as the Director of Orchestras at Kennesaw Mountain High School from 2020-2023. He currently serves as the Chief Academic Officer at the Gift of Music in Marietta, Georgia where he oversees the education department. During his tenure at Western Carolina University, he was responsible for all aspects of the 500+ member “Pride of the Mountains” Marching Band that performed in exhibition at Bands of America Regional Championships in Atlanta, St. Louis, and twice at the Grand National Championships in Indianapolis. Additionally, the band was selected for performance at the 88th and 93rd annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. While the Director of Bands at Kennesaw Mountain High School, they were a six-time national finalist at the Bands of America Grand National Championships and named the 2004 “AAA National Champion” and a four-time Regional Champion. The band appeared in the 79th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Kennesaw Mountain High School Wind Symphony performed at the 60th Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago.
Mr. Starnes is sought out nationally and internationally as an adjudicator, clinician, guest conductor, and creative designer. He served as a creative designer and program coordinator at Spirit of Atlanta (2003-2006), Carolina Crown (2013-2017), and The Cavaliers (2022-2024). He served as an Education Consultant at Music for All from 1995-2021. While fulfilling this role, he served as the Program Director for The Honor Band of America, who appeared in the Tournament of Roses Parade in 2005, 2009, 2013, 2017, and 2022. Mr. Starnes was inducted into the Bands of America Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2019.
