Dr. Ken Van Winkle is Professor of Music and Director of Bands at New Mexico State University. He is a graduate of West Texas A&M University, the University of North Texas, and the University of Oregon. Dr. Van Winkle conducts New Mexico State University’s “Symphonic Winds,” and is also the Academic Department Head for Music. He has served two terms as the college vice president of the New Mexico Music Educators Association and is past president of the New Mexico Music Educators Association. Dr. Van Winkle is active as a clinician, judge, and guest conductor throughout the United States.

In 2003 New Mexico Music Educators selected Dr. Van Winkle as Music Educator of the Year and under his leadership, New Mexico State University “Symphonic Winds” has become one of the premier wind ensembles in the Southwest. Performances include the Southwestern Divisional Biennial Convention of the College Band Directors National Association and most recently, as the first band from the United States to be featured at the Columbian National Band Festival, in Paipa, Colombia.

Dr. Van Winkle is a member of the College Band Directors National Association, the National Band Association, and the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles. In 2005 he was inducted into the American Bandmaster’s Association.