FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Conn Selmer Names
Michael Kamphuis
Chief Education Officer
25-Year Industry Veteran to Lead Expanded Music Education, Advocacy, and Global
Outreach Efforts
ELKHART, Ind., May 5, 2026 — Conn Selmer, the largest manufacturer of band instruments in the United States and a global leader in instrument manufacturing and distribution, today announced the promotion of Michael Kamphuis to Chief Education Officer.
In this expanded role, Kamphuis will continue to lead Conn Selmer's Division of Education, overseeing initiatives in arts advocacy, professional development, mentorship, and strategic partnerships aimed at strengthening music programs and supporting educators nationwide.
Kamphuis brings more than 25 years of leadership experience within Conn Selmer and has played a key role in connecting educators, schools, policymakers, artists, and industry partners to strengthen school music programs and support opportunities for students across the country.
"Mike Kamphuis has spent his career building bridges between the music industry and the music education community," said Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser, Senior Vice President, Education. "His appointment as Chief Education Officer reflects his leadership and reinforces Conn Selmer's commitment to the future of school music programs."
Music education has long been central to Conn Selmer's identity, dating back to C.G. Conn's founding of the Conn Conservatory of Music in 1896. That legacy continued with the creation of the Conn Selmer Institute in 1997 and the subsequent expansion of the Division of Education, which today provides resources, training, and advocacy support to educators and school music programs.
As music and arts programs face increasing challenges, Conn Selmer remains committed to supporting educators in building and sustaining impactful programs that benefit students, schools, and communities.
Kamphuis emphasized the broader significance of music education, noting its role in developing essential skills such as creativity, collaboration, resilience, and disciplined thinking, qualities critical to workforce readiness and strong communities. He also recognized Lautzenheiser's leadership in shaping the foundation of Conn Selmer's education initiatives.
"Ensuring every student has access to a strong music program isn't just good education policy; it's good workforce policy and essential to building stronger communities," Kamphuis said.
His promotion underscores Conn Selmer's continued investment in music education and its commitment to advancing educator support, student opportunity, and global advocacy through its Division of Education.
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, with a brand portfolio representing more than 750 years of combined musical heritage. Its brands include 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 provides classroom resources, curriculum and program tools, professional development, advocacy support, and music education services designed to strengthen programs and broaden opportunities for students and communities.
For questions, please contact: [email protected].