International Judges Bureau Chairperson, Executive Council
USA
Professor Bearden served for 23 years as Director of the “Goin’ Band from Raiderland.” Under his direction the Texas Tech Marching band performed in numerous bowl games, and regularly performed for the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Oilers and the Denver Broncos. The band was recipient of the nation’s highest award for collegiate marching bands, the Sudler Trophy. Under his leadership, Texas Tech band members have performed in Ireland, England, Scotland, France, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Italy.
Currently Keith is very active throughout the United States at both state and national levels, serving as a clinician and adjudicator.
During his tenure at Texas Tech University, he was honored as an Outstanding Faculty Member by Mortar Board and Omicron Delta Kappa and presented with the Kappa Kappa Psi’s highest national achievement award, the Distinguished Service to Music medal.
He received the Professing Excellence award presented by the Texas Tech Service Center and the Lubbock Independent School District Service Award, the Texas Tech Alumni Association’s Distinguished Service Award and the Texas Tech School of Music’s Distinguished Alumnae Award. He was presented with the Lifetime Meritorious Achievement Award at the Texas Bandmasters Convention in San Antonio.
Professor Bearden is an Immediate Past President of the Texas Music Adjudicators Association and chairs the Outstanding Bandmaster Committee of Phi Beta Mu International where he is a board member and past president. He is a member of the board of directors of the John Philip Sousa Foundation, serving on three separate selection committees.
Prior to his appointment at Texas Tech, he enjoyed six successful years of public school band teaching in Texas after serving four years in the United States Air Force Academy Band.