HILLSBORO, Kan. – Tabor College is excited to announce that Shawn Knopp will join the faculty as assistant professor of instrumental music.
In his role, Knopp will conduct the Tabor College Symphonic Band, Jazz Band and Chamber Strings as well as teach courses for instrumental music education.
“The rich tradition of music at Tabor College is well-known throughout the state and I am honored to become a part of supporting and advancing that heritage,” said Knopp about the career move.
Knopp comes to Tabor after a successful career as director of bands at Smoky Valley Public Schools in Lindsborg. “Mr. Knopp has proven himself to be an outstanding educator and director, having built a top quality instrumental program in his 14 years of teaching experience,” said Music Department chair Brad Vogel. “The combination of his skill and personality brings great promise to our program, and I am very happy and thankful for him to join us at Tabor College.”
During his tenure at Smoky Valley Knopp had 27 students in KMEA All-State Band and conducted numerous special performances including concerts at the American Jazz Museum in Kansas City, Mo., and the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, Ill., and performances with the United States Coast Guard Band and Kansas State University Concert Band.
Knopp currently serves as the chair of the High School Honor Band and is the vice president for the KMEA South Central District.
He has also worked as an adjunct for Bethany College, Central Christian College, and McPherson College. Knopp has held conducting positions with several churches and community groups in Kansas including McPherson Community Theatre, Lindsborg City Band, and First Baptist Church in Manhattan.
Knopp, who has Master of Music and a Bachelor of Music Education degrees from Kansas State University, will begin teaching and conducting duties in August.