Matt Abbey to Become Director of Bands at Avon High School

Thorough Search to Replace Retiring Director Brings Current Associate to the Fore

Matt Abbey will become the Director of Bands at Avon High School. He will assume leadership of the legendary Band program—which includes the six-time national champion Avon Marching Black & Gold—at the start of the upcoming school year.

It is exciting when members of our team make such exciting moves—especially when those moves keep them right here in Avon. Matt Shockley

Mr. Abbey has been a member of the AHS family for nearly nine years. His leadership roles have included Band Director at Avon Middle School South in 2022-23 and Assistant Band Director at AHS since 2023. “It gives me great joy to know our Band program is going to continue to thrive under his leadership,” says Principal Matt Shockley. “It is exciting when members of our team make such exciting moves—especially when those moves keep them right here in Avon.”

During Mr. Abbey’s tenure as a member of the Avon Band team:  

• Avon's Concert Bands have consistently received Gold with Distinction ratings at ISSMA Organizational contests. 
• Avon's Wind Symphony has been an ISSMA State Finalist both years, including placing 3rd in the 2023-24 school year. 
• The Avon Marching Black and Gold is a five-time ISSMA Marching Band State Champion (2019, 2021, 2023, 2024, 2025), a three-time BOA Grand National Champion (2023, 2024, 2025), placed in the top three nationally every year from 2018-2025, and performed in the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. 
• Avon Indoor Winds has been IPA State Champions and WGI World Champions four times (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025). 
• Avon's band enrollment and retention has increased dramatically, with over 450 students enrolled in the high school band program for the 2026-27 school year. 

"It is the honor of a lifetime to serve this program in this role,” says Abbey. “I am thrilled and unimaginably fortunate to continue working with our incredible team of educators and world-class staff, our unbelievably supportive and hard-working parents, and most of all, the best students in the world."

It is the honor of a lifetime to serve this program in this role. Matt Abbey

Mr. Abbey has been on staff with the Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle corps since 2020. He attended Butler University and graduated with a bachelor's degree in music education. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in management from Indiana University.  

Mr. Abbey lives in Avon with his wife Bre, who works with Avon's Color Guard.

During the remainder of this school year, AHS will provide opportunities to celebrate with Mr. Abbey as he assumes this new role. There will also be chances to honor retiring Director Matt Harloff as he concludes his stellar educational career in Avon Schools.