Congratulations to the follow new officers of ABA. They will assume duties on June 1, 2023.

President Elect

Keith Anderson, James Clemens High School

Keith Anderson is the Director of Bands at James Clemens High School in Madison, AL. After starting his teaching career in August of 2001 as the Assistant Band Director at Bob Jones High School, Keith was hired to begin the JCHS Band program as the school opened in the Fall of 2012. Since that time, the band program has grown to include marching band, competition marching band, three concert bands, percussion ensemble, jazz band, jazz combo, and two winter guards. JCHS ensembles have been selected to perform at the University of Alabama Honor Band, the Loyola Jazz Festival, the London New Year’s Day Parade, and twice at the Alabama Music Educators Conference, with the Wind Ensemble performing in 2016 and the Percussion Ensemble in 2020.

Keith is the Fine Arts Department Lead at James Clemens and has served multiple times on faculty senate as well as school and system-wide planning committees. He served as the ABA District One chairman from 2013 to 2015 and has since been privileged to serve on various ABA committees as both member and chair. He is a certified adjudicator for the Alabama Music Performance Assessment and is regularly contracted as an adjudicator for both concert and marching assessments. He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Music Education from the University of North Alabama and is a National Board Certified Teacher.

Jazz Chair Elect

Kelvin Benion, Clay Chalkville High School

Kelvin Benion is a native of Birmingham, Alabama. He graduated from Huffman High School, under the direction of Clifford M. Winter, III. In high school he played the Tuba and was selected to perform in many honor bands including the Alabama All-State Blue and White bands. After high school Kelvin, chose to continue his education at South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, South Carolina where he was a member of the Marching Band,Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Ensemble and received Bachelor of Arts In Music Merchandising and Management. (1992)

While in college Kelvin started the jazz group “Tekneek”. The group would later evolve and release two chart topping and award nominated albums, “Point Of View” (1998) and (“Joyride”). (2004)

Kelvin started his teaching career in 2010 @ W.J. Christian School (Birmingham City Schools) followed by being the asst. director @ Minor High School (Jefferson County Schools) and claiming Three National High Stepping Championships. He also directed one of two jazz very performing bands. After spending three years with Minor High School Kelvin started and directed the band program @ Mae Jemison High School (Huntsville City Schools) in Huntsville, Alabama for one year. Kelvin is now the current Band Director @ Clay Chalkville High School in Clay, Alabama (Jefferson County Schools)

In 2014 Kelvin released a solo project entitled “Got to Get It” with the title track featured “Eric Essix”

In 2020, Kelvin produced several songs for the FOX Soul network while also landing smooth jazz placements with the Perpetual Music Group.

Just recently Kelvin was selected to be the clinician to conduct the Alabama All State Middle School Jazz Band for 2021.

Kelvin has worked and performed with many great musicians, producers, and entertainers like: Ben Tankard, Henry Panion III, Phil Davis, Milton Davis, Mike
Phillips, Dennis Edwards, Me’lissa Morgan, David Peaston, Stevie Wonder, Ernie Watts, Jessy J, Kenny Lattimore, Eric Essix, and Kim Scott just to name a few.

Kelvin is married to Crishina Benion (22 years) with 3 children, Jeseca Spencer (Step Daughter), Kennedy and Kaleb. Kelvin Benion a member of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity.

Recording Secretary

Will Mixon, Gulf Shores High School

William Mixon has been teaching for 13 years and currently serves as Band Director at Gulf Shores High School. During his time, the marching and concert bands have consistently performed at a high level receiving regular superior ratings. During the school day, William teaches Concert Band, Steel Drums, and Color Guard.
Outside of the classroom, William has served as Vice-Chair and Chair for the Alabama Bandmasters Association (ABA) District VII as well as Recording Secretary for ABA’s Executive Board. Additionally, he was appointed as Fine Arts Coordinator for the Gulf Shores City School System.
In addition to teaching, William serves as organist for Gulf Shores United Methodist Church and enjoys playing piano and trumpet for local events. William received a Bachelor of Music Education from Louisiana State University where he studied music education with James Byo, conducting with Linda Moorhouse and Frank Wickes, and trumpet with Brian McWhorter. He received a Master of Education from Troy University under the mentorship of Mark Walker.

His professional affiliations include the National Association for Music Education, Alabama Music Educators Association, Alabama Band Masters Association, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. William resides in Loxley with his wife, Laura, and their two children, Liam (9) and Ansley (4).

In addition to a career in music education, William is an avid woodworker and enjoys building furniture inspired by the shaker, arts and craft, and contemporary style periods.