(SPRINGFIELD, Ky.) – Washington County High School has hired Zachary Huwalt as the new director of the Commander Marching Band program. The announcement comes after the retirement of veteran band director Scotty Burns. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Huwalt is a 2022 graduate of South Park High School. He earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of Kentucky in 2025, graduating cum laude. Huwalt says he has been involved in band since elementary school. “I began on the trombone in elementary school and have not changed it since,” he said. “By the time I was in high school, I was participating in jazz band, marching band, concert band, pep band, and held its leadership. I became brass captain my sophomore year and was selected to serve as the drum major my senior year of high school. I continued to refine my skills as I began college. With being heavily involved with its trombone choir, the boomwhacker club, which I established, and the UK Bands Program, particularly the Wildcat Marching Band, I have made connections and had positive experiences with the staff and the members of the program. I also have had the privilege of serving the Wildcat Marching Band as the operations team coordinator, which managed ‘behind the scenes’ functionality of the athletic band. Overall, band has been a major influence on me and I am forever grateful to the directors, staff, members and schools who made that possible.”

Huwalt said it was a privilege to return to Kentucky and give back to the state that inspired him to become an educator. “Kentucky has such a deep history of culture and experience, especially in the fine arts. Being the band director of Washington County Schools allows me to continue my service as a teacher and foster a positive music education experience for all students to learn, grow and have fun. I hope to continue the fostering environment Washington County Schools has done so with the band program. This community has been very welcoming and has many opportunities for all its students. I hope as the band director to make a welcoming experience for all students, where they have a chance to express themselves musically and be prepared in the 21^st century world we live in today. It is more than just a band. It is a family where we challenge ourselves, do our best, and enjoy the experiences along the way. I know with the help of the staff, students and community, the band program is an experience their child will be inspired by and enjoy.”

“We are super excited to add Zach to our staff,” says WCHS principal Eric Sagrecy. “He brings tremendous passion, energy, and enthusiasm to our already outstanding band program. From the moment we met him, it was clear how much he cares about music education. We are excited for our students to learn from someone who is eager to build relationships, inspire a love of music, and continue fostering a culture of excellence. We look forward to Mr. Huwalt building on the proud tradition that the Washington County Band program has already established, while creating new opportunities for our students to grow, perform and succeed.”

“We are excited to welcome Mr. Huwalt to the Washington County Schools family,” says Superintendent Dr. Robin Cochran. “The Commander Marching Band has a proud tradition of award-winning excellence, and we are confident that he will build upon that legacy while inspiring our students to reach new heights. A strong music program plays an important role in developing creativity, discipline, leadership, and school pride, and we know our students will benefit from the passion and dedication Mr. Huwalt brings to our district. We look forward to the positive impact he will have on our band program and the many opportunities he will create for our students both in the classroom and on the performance field.”