KENTON NIELSON – CEO | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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Kenton joined The Battalion in July of 2015 as a member of the Board of Directors. He served as the Chairman of the Board from 2017-2022, and became the CEO/Executive Director at the conclusion of the  2022 season. Professionally Kenton spent his career directing the Strategic Partnerships and Business Development Operations at 1-800 CONTACTS.  He is also the Director of the Utah Valley University Drumline (UVU Green Man Group), and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Intermountain Percussion Association.

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Kenton is a graduate of The Carnegie School of Management in New York, NY. - Business Management & Leadership Program.  He is also a graduate of Utah Valley University.  He holds degrees in Music (with an Emphasis in Conducting), Secondary Music Education (with a Choral/Wind Composite), and History.  While in college, he served as the President of the Collegiate Music Educators National Conference.

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As a performer, Kenton marched with the Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps where he had the opportunity to study marching percussion under the direction of great music educators such as Pat Amon, Nick Angelis, Thom Hannum, Jeff Queen, and Colin McNutt.  He later served as an elected member of the Troopers TAA Board of Directors from 2013-2016.  He is highly active in the performing arts and music education communities. Over the past 20 years, he has directed and or worked as a judge or visiting clinician for numerous universities and high school marching band programs.

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Kenton lives in Pleasant Grove, Utah. He is the father of 3 wonderful children, and a mildly acceptable Poodle named Stanley.

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