FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Conn Selmer Names Melissa Gustafson-Hinds
Educational Support Manager for the Central Region
ELKHART, Ind., June 12, 2026 — Conn Selmer's Division of Education today announced the appointment of Melissa Gustafson-Hinds as Educational Support Manager for the Central Region. In this role, Gustafson-Hinds will support music educators and programs throughout the Midwest and Central Plains, working with directors, schools, and dealers to connect programs with resources, instruments, and professional development opportunities that support student success. Gustafson-Hinds will begin the role part time and transition to full time by May 2027 as she completes her tenure in the classroom.
"Melissa brings three decades of classroom excellence, national-level program building, and deep respect within the profession to this role, and we are thrilled to welcome her to the team," said Michael Kamphuis, Chief Education Officer at Conn Selmer.
A Past President of the ILMEA Band Division, Gustafson-Hinds joins Conn Selmer during her 19th and final year as Director of Bands at O'Fallon Township High School (OTHS) in O'Fallon, Illinois, where she also serves as Performing Arts Department Chair. A newly inducted member of the American Bandmasters Association, she most recently served as Assistant Band Director for the 2026 Bands of America Honor Band in the Tournament of Roses Parade.
"After 33 years in the classroom, I know firsthand how much directors rely on partners who truly understand what programs need to thrive," said Gustafson-Hinds. "I'm honored to join Conn Selmer and to continue serving students and educators across the Midwest and Central Plains."
Under her direction, the O'Fallon Township High School Band Program earned the John Philip Sousa Sudler Flag in 2022 and the Sudler Shield in 2023. The OTHS Marching Panthers have been consistent Bands of America Regional and Super Regional finalists, Grand National Semi-Finalists, and a Grand National Finalist, with appearances in the Tournament of Roses Parade and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The program's concert ensembles have appeared at Carnegie Hall, the Illinois Superstate Concert Band Festival, the Music for All National Festival, the ILMEA State Convention, and The Midwest Clinic. The program has also received the National Band Association Program of Excellence Blue Ribbon Award and multiple Music for All Advocacy Awards.
Gustafson-Hinds holds degrees from Illinois State University, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and the University of Missouri–St. Louis.
About Conn Selmer
Conn Selmer is the largest manufacturer of band instruments in the United States and a global leader in instrument manufacturing and distribution. The company’s brand portfolio combines centuries of heritage and represents some of the most historic and trusted names in brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments, including Armstrong, Bach, Conn, King, Holton, Leblanc, Ludwig, Musser, and SELMER. Conn Selmer is also the North American distributor of Henri SELMER Paris woodwinds and Yanagisawa saxophones.
The Conn Selmer Division of Education (DOE) supports educators, students, and fine arts administrators through classroom resources, curriculum tools, professional development, advocacy support, and program services that help strengthen programs and broaden opportunities for students and communities.
For questions, please contact: [email protected].