Meet the Team
David Starnes
State and Region Coordinator
Mr. David Starnes served as the Director of Orchestras at Kennesaw Mountain HS (GA) from 2020-2023, prior to his retirement from a 34-year career as a music educator. Under his direction, the Chamber Orchestra was selected to perform at the 2023 Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA) Conference. He served as Assistant Professor and Director of Athletic Bands in the School of Music at Western Carolina University (NC) from 2011-2020 and was the founding Director of Bands at Kennesaw Mountain HS from 2000-2011. He currently serves as the Program Coordinator for The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps (IL) as well as the Director of Music at Acworth United Methodist Church (GA) where he conducts the Chancel Choir and orchestra.
During his tenure at Western Carolina University, Starnes was responsible for all aspects of the 500 plus member Pride of the Mountains Marching Band that performed at the Bands of America (BOA) Regional Championships in Atlanta, 2011 and St. Louis, 2018, the Bands of America Grand National Championships in Indianapolis 2012 and 2015 and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2014 and 2019.
While the Director of Bands at Kennesaw Mountain HS, they were a 6-time national finalist at the BOA Grand National Championships, named the 2004 AAA National Champion and a four-time Regional Champion. In 2003, the John Philip Sousa Foundation awarded them the prestigious Sudler Shield of Excellence. The band appeared in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2005 and the Kennesaw Mountain HS Wind Symphony performed at The Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago in 2006.
Mr. Starnes is sought out nationally and internationally as an adjudicator, clinician, guest conductor and creative designer. He served as an Education Consultant at Music for All from 1995-2021. While fulfilling this role, his duties included serving as the Program Director for The Honor Band of America, which appeared in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California 2005, 2009, 2013, 2017 and 2022. Mr. Starnes was inducted into the BOA Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2019.

Meet an MA Representative
Will you be at one of Music for All/Bands of America Championship events? Attending Midwest Clinic or an MEA conference in Texas, Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, Kentucky or another state? These are just a few of the events where you can meet an MA Representative, learn about our company, and create your next trip.
The Trip Account app is offered to our groups as they travel.
Included in your trip, group leaders, staff, chaperones and travelers will use the information packed, versatile Trip Account App during their travels.
Powerful Director Tools
Interactive Checklists, Pop Up Communications, Emergency Notifications.

Tools for all travelers
Live Itineraries, Group Messaging, Photo Gallery and much more.
Everything you need for your next trip.
The Trip Account app is available for iPhone and Android.
Blog Posts
Ohio Student Musicians to Showcase Talents Across Europe in Summer 2026
In an exciting cultural exchange initiative, talented high school musicians from the state of Ohio are being recruited for a transformative performance journey across Europe in 2026.... learn more
Darrin Davis to Lead Ozark Region International Tour
Musicians Abroad is excited to announce the Ozark Region as our newest ensemble for 2026. Led by Coordinator Darrin Davis... learn more
“Priceless”: A Family’s Experience Traveling with Musicians Abroad
For the French family, Musicians Abroad provided an unparalleled opportunity to learn, grow and explore — together. Willa, French horn player, Stuart, trumpet player.... learn more
Let’s Get Physical – Preparing for Your Tour
Being on tour for a couple of weeks is full of amazing adventures, wonderful performances and lots of fun! The trip will be both exhilarating and exhausting... learn more
Kentucky Musicians Abroad Delights Crowds in Europe
More than 360 musicians, 40 faculty members and staff, parents and a crew of tour directors made up... learn more
The Trip of a Lifetime – Traveling with Indiana Musicians Abroad
This no-fee personal fundraising option transfers 100% of collected financial gifts directly into your trip account, providing you with the gift of travel... learn more
Introducing Gift Link
This no-fee personal fundraising option transfers 100% of collected financial gifts directly into your trip account, providing you with the gift of travel... learn more
Traveling with Indiana Musicians Abroad
Eight countries. Sixteen days. Musicians Abroad celebrated its inaugural international performance tour in June 2023... learn more
McCormick Joins Musicians Abroad as Senior Director
McCormick is a respected and trustworthy leader with more than 30 years of experience... learn more
Speck, Hatteberg Co-Direct Kentucky Group
Two well-traveled, respected educators and musicians head first Kentucky musicians abroad tour... learn more
Introducing Musicians Abroad
Created for students wanting to share the joy of music internationally... learn more
Taylor steps up as Indiana Coordinator
Chris Taylor has traveled across the country as well as overseas. It only seems natural that he would be the leading force in organizing the first Musicians Abroad tour... learn more