Chad Austin has been named Co-Lin’s Director of Bands effective July 1, 2024.
Austin has been employed in the Fine Arts division of the college since 2018 as Assistant Band Director and Percussion Instructor. As assistant director, he’s been an important part of the instruction and organization of the marching band, percussion section and ensemble, the basketball pep band, the Sojourners, and in assisting with the concert and jazz bands. He spearheaded the Delta Music Institute partnership with Delta State University, creating new entertainment industry classes offered at Co-Lin. Austin has also been heavily involved in band recruitment and helped to grow the Blue Wave Show Band to the largest band in Co-Lin history.
"Austin has been a true asset to Co-Lin,” says Co-Lin Dean of Academic Instruction Dr. Amanda Hood. “He is passionate about what he does, and it shows in his work ethic, his relationships, and the growth and success we’ve seen in the Blue Wave Show Band. We are fortunate to have him stepping into this well-deserved position."
Austin earned an associate’s degree from East Central Community College, a bachelor’s degree in K-12 instrumental music education from Mississippi State University and a master’s degree in band conducting from Sam Houston State University.
In 2009, Austin received the A.E. McClain Award for Mississippi's Outstanding Young Band Director from the Mississippi Bandmasters Association and was named Co-Lin’s Outstanding Academic Instructor in 2022. He is a member of the Mississippi Community College Band Directors, Mississippi Bandmasters Association, Percussive Arts Society, and is also a Yamaha Corporation of America Artist and Innovate Percussion Artist.
He and his wife Renee reside in Brandon.
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