After graduating from Indiana University in 1996 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education, Matt Harloff was appointed the Assistant Band Director for the Avon Band Department in Avon, Indiana. He earned a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Indianapolis in 2001.
Matt is the assistant director for all five concert bands at Avon High School. Avon Concert Bands have consistently received superior ratings at the Indiana State School Music Association Organizational Contests. The Avon High School Wind Symphony has had the honor of performing at the Indiana State Concert Band Championships and was awarded the Indiana State School Music Association Concert Band State Champion in 2012. In January of 2008, the Avon Wind Symphony performed at the Indiana Music Educators Association conference. Matt is the director of the Avon Brass Choir and also led the Avon Trumpet Choir in a performance at the 2012 IMEA Conference. Matt is the assistant director of The Avon Marching Black & Gold. The group has won 10 state championships and is a consistent Grand National Finalist. The Avon Marching Black & Gold won the Grand National Championships in 2008, 2009, and 2010.
In 2003, Matt joined Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps as the Brass Caption Head. Matt, with the support of management, a committed staff, and talented members, has built the Crown Brass to be one of the most elite programs in the country. The Carolina Crown Brass Section has won the Jim Ott Memorial Award for Excellence in Brass several years. Carolina Crown is a consistent Drum Corps International World Class Finalist and celebrated their first ever DCI World Class World Championship in the summer of 2013. Matt spent three years as brass instructor for the ten-time DCI World Champion Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps, in 1998, 1999, and 2002. Matt was a performing member of the DCI World Champion Star of Indiana Drum and Bugle Corps from 1989-1995. He served as the drum major in 1993.
Matt and his brother, Ben, have joined DCI Hall of Fame Member Michael Klesch to create H2Ksound. H2Ksound is committed to giving back to countless music educators and their students with helpful materials, music, arrangements, and much, much more. Matt and Ben are coauthors of two books from their “Inside the Circle” Series, Inside the Circle: A Proven Method for a Successful Marching Band and Inside the Circle: Off-Season Training. Both books have been overwhelmingly successful and have helped countless directors and students.
Matt is a native of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, and very proud of his musical family. His father, Bill, is a retired band director and his brother, Ben, is a band director in Minnesota. Matt’s most important job is helping raise his two beautiful children, Tyson and Shaelyn. Matt is married to his wonderful wife Susie, who shares his passion for the happiest place on earth, Walt Disney World.
Matt is a Yamaha Performing Artist.
