Dr. Allen Parrish

Dr. Allen Parrish joins the Kansas State Band Program as Associate Director of Bands. Prior to his appointment, he served as Assistant Professor of Music and Director of “The Sound of Today” Athletic Bands at the University of Louisiana Monroe. At ULM, he led a revitalization of the band program in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, significantly increasing both enrollment and performance level. He also launched several recruiting initiatives, including High School Summer Band Camp, SOT Band Day, and the ULM Honor Band Festival—each of which experienced substantial growth under his leadership, with participation increasing by as much as 600%.

A native of Panama City, Florida, Dr. Parrish earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Troy University, a Master of Music from Pittsburg State University, and a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Dr. Parrish is committed to creating a band experience where students are both challenged and genuinely invested—musically, socially, and personally. He emphasizes high standards, meaningful engagement, and a shared sense of purpose within the ensemble. He remains active as a clinician, adjudicator, and conductor, with research interests in leadership development and interdisciplinary arts. He looks forward to working with the students and faculty at Kansas State.

Dr. Parrish’s professional affiliations include the National Association for Music Education, Kappa Kappa Psi, Tau Beta Sigma (Honorary), Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and Phi Boota Roota (Honorary).

Dr. Parrish and his wife, Lauren, have two children, Nora (5) and Isaiah (2).