CHS Music Department

Director of Music Education: John L. Kuhner

The Cheshire High School Marching Ram Band is currently under the direction of Mr. John L. Kuhner. Through his leadership and dedication, the marching band and music program as a whole has continued to grow and thrive. Mr. Kuhner’s devotion to his profession and music goes beyond the traditional role of a teacher as he molds students into well-rounded young men and women and prepares them for the years beyond high school.

John L. Kuhner is the K-12 music department chairman for the Cheshire Public Schools as well as band and orchestra director at Cheshire High School, Cheshire, Connecticut, a position he has held since 2001. Under his leadership, the Cheshire Public Schools has been recognized as one of the “Best Communities for Music Education in America” every year since 2004. Before coming to Cheshire, Mr. Kuhner was band and orchestra director at Norwich Free Academy, Norwich, Connecticut, for twelve years, where he was recognized as Teacher of the Year. His bands from Cheshire and Norwich have both performed at Connecticut Music Educators Association State Conferences. Recently, his bands were recognized as Honor Ensembles by CMEA. Mr. Kuhner began his career teaching elementary and middle school general music, choral music, and strings for Regional School District No. 15, Middlebury-Southbury, Connecticut. He holds degrees from The University of Texas at Austin and The University of Connecticut. Mr. Kuhner is active as a presenter, guest conductor, and clinician for school districts, State and National conferences, as well as district, regional, and all-state ensembles in Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. Mr. Kuhner has been extremely active in the Connecticut Music Educators Association, serving as President, Student Affairs Commission Chairman, Membership Chairman, Eastern Region Director, and All State Band Chairman. Mr. Kuhner is a Past President of the Eastern Division, NAfME: The National Association for Music Education where he also served as Program Chairman for the NAfME All-National Honor Ensembles. In 2007, and in 2013, he served as General Chairman of the NAfME All-Eastern Honors Ensembles. Additionally, Mr. Kuhner has served on the Executive Board of the New England Music Festival Association for the past twenty four years. He presently serves on the National Music Advisory Committee of the National Federation of State High School Associations. Professional affiliations include NAfME/CMEA-Life Member, ASBDA-CT Board Member, ASTA, NFHS, Phi Mu Alpha, and Phi Beta Mu.