Mark Kays is the new director of music at Tri-State University. He will direct the wind ensemble, pep band, and jazz band, and teach music history and theory. He previously held the position of director of instrumental music at East Richland High School in Illinois, where he directed two award-winning concert bands, jazz band, marching band, and pep band, and taught music history and theory. Prior to his 10-year tenure at East Richland, he taught for 10 years in Indiana public schools. 

As director of instrumental music, Kays received the East Richland Teacher of the Year award and Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year award, has been recognized four times in “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers,” and has been listed as the most influential teacher for an Academic All-Star Top 50 in the state of Indiana by the Indianapolis Star and News. His jazz band represented the state of Illinois at a national jazz competition in Branson, Mo, and was invited to perform at the Starlight Café in Disney World, Orlando, Fla. Kays’ wind ensemble, symphonic band and jazz band have never failed to receive first division ratings at the state of Illinois organizational contests.

Kays has arranged music for jazz, marching, and pep bands. He has written award-winning drills for marching bands and winter guards. He is an active adjudicator for solo and ensemble and large ensemble. Kays is also an active performer on jazz saxophones, folk guitar, banjo, Celtic whistles, voice, and has had leading roles in many civic musical theatre productions.