Kevin D. Hebert — Director of Bands
Kevin Hebert was named of River Bluff High School’s Director of Bands in July 2019.
Mr. Hebert is from Columbia, SC and an alumnus of Irmo High School. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of South Carolina and received his masters in band conducting from Sam Houston State University through the American Band College program. While at the University of South Carolina, Mr. Hebert served as Vice President of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and was also a member of the 2000 World Champion Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps. He is a current member of the Palmetto Concert Band and Carolina Wind Symphony.
Before accepting the position at River Bluff High School, Mr. Hebert served as the director of bands at Chapin High School from 2010-2019 and at Bristol Tennessee High School from 2002-2010.
Mr. Hebert is a member of the South Carolina Band Director’s Association, The National Association for Music Education, National Band Association, American School Band Directors Association, Phi Beta Mu, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. Mr. Hebert has also been named as one of School Band and Orchestra’s “Americas 50 Band Directors that Make a Difference” both in Tennessee and South Carolina. Mr. Hebert was named the 2015 Chapin High School Teacher of the Year and District Teacher of the Year for Lexington/Richland School District 5.
Ted Tinker — Associate Director of Bands
Ted Tinker is originally from North Carolina, where he received his Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, and his Master of Music in Music Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He was a performing member with the Carolina Crown Drum & Bugle Corps in 2013-2014 and has been an active brass instructor in the activity since 2015, most recently with the Crossmen Drum & Bugle Corps in 2022 and the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum & Bugle Corps for the 2023 season. The marching ensembles Ted has worked with have been regionally and nationally competitive at Bands of America events, with each ensemble consistently placing in class in prelims and finals competition. Outside of the marching arts, he was an Assistant Band Director at Mac Williams Middle School, and Director of Bands at Swift Creek Middle School. While assisting at Mac Williams Middle School, the middle school Concert and Symphonic bands received Superior ratings in Grade II/III music at the Southeastern North Carolina Band District Music Performance Adjudications in 2017, 2018. and 2019.
Ted is currently the Assistant Director of Bands at River Bluff High School, where he directs the Concert Band and assists with all other aspects of the Gator Band program(s). In addition, he is a member of the South Carolina Band Director Association, National Association for Music Education, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America and the Carolina Winds.
Chris Amick– Director of Percussion
Chris Amick is a percussionist and educator from Columbia, SC. He received his Bachelors from the University of South Carolina under the direction of Dr. Scott Herring and his Masters from Eastman School of Music under the direction of Michael Burritt, Charles Ross, James Ross, and Rich Thompson.
During his studies, Chris has co-founded Wildlight Publications, a sheet music publishing company with the goal of creating equity within western art music and providing a platform for both young artists and composers. He has also co-founded Humlux Media, an audio and video production company that aims to offer musicians cinematic and engaging music videos.
Whenever Chris is not in the practice room, he can be found performing with the Amick/Newton Duo, wrapping timpani mallets, or brewing coffee.
Josh Dishner– Director of Colorguard/Dance
Josh Dishner is originally from Church Hill, Tennessee and began his marching experience at Volunteer High School where he participated in every band program that was offered. Mr. Dishner has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish and Dance from East Tennessee State University and in 2021 established the dance program at Nation Ford High School which has doubled in size since its formation. In addition to teaching, Mr. Dishner is the NFHS Assistant Colorguard Director and has performed with Carolina Crown, Southeast Independent, and The Cast. He was also a company member with Intercity Ballet and Henley Dance Studio.
Since 2006, Mr. Dishner has had the honor and privilege to serve on staff at many studios and programs such as Centre for the Performing Arts, Henley Dance Studio, Carolina Crown, Charles Towne Independent, and First Flight to name a few. He has also had the opportunity to choreograph, design, instruct, develop training programs, and facilitate logistical operations for dance studios and other artistic non-profit organizations throughout the Southeast Region. He currently is a member of South Carolina Dance Association and serves as Chair on the Scholarship Committee.
When he is not working, Mr. Dishner enjoys the outdoors. Hiking, sitting by a campfire, working out, going to dog parks, and spending time with his 8 month old black goldendoodle named Narci are just a few of his favorite things to relax and decompress. He is planning on moving to the Lexington area in June and is so excited to be joining the River Bluff Family!
