Article written by Ainsley Hall and published in The Journal on May 21, 2026.
INWOOD — Musselman High School Band Director Michael Knepper was named West Virginia Bandmaster of the Year by the Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity. He was presented with the award during the band’s spring concert on May 19, finishing the year on a high note.
In between songs after the Musselman Band Boosters introduced their new executive committee, the microphone was given to Mark Albright, band director at Mountain Ridge Middle School. Albright talked about how the 2025-2026 school year has been a big year for the band as they won Group Four at the Tournament of Bands Atlantic Coast Championship. The band took on many challenges, including playing three level six songs in a row at a festival, a level normally reserved for college level bands. The seventh period jazz band was also named the state jazz band of the year. With all the accomplishments, Albright was honored to add one more to the list by present Knepper with West Virginia Bandmaster of the Year award.
“My first word is that this is surreal,” Knepper said. “It was my models and mentors that helped shape me as an educator. I have a great community that supports me and allows me to cultivate the next generation of doers.”
For 30 years Knepper has called Musselman High School his second family. He wanted to give students a sense of belonging which he found in band when he was in high school. To him, teachers have the power to inspire their students and give the freedom to express their ideas which he believes is extremely important for any young person. Knepper wanted to become a teacher who does exactly that.
Knepper was surprised to receive the award. He hopes it encourages his students to find a way to serve their community and find a career they are passionate about. He believes there are many ways for people to find success, so even if they don’t find a career in music, he hopes his students use the tools they learn through band and aren’t afraid to work hard for others.
Albright said that this year the when the West Virginia chapter of Phi Beta Mu International came together to choose this year’s recipient, the decision was quick and unanimous. What makes this award so special is that it comes from the top band masters in the state. They understand what it takes to lead a band, and they believed Knepper goes above and beyond to teach his students.
“There are a handful of teachers that can win Teacher of the Year every year, and Mr. Knepper is one of them,” Albright said. “He is very goal oriented and family oriented, but most importantly he gets kids to buy in to what he’s doing in a way few people can. His connection with his students runs deep.”