Russellville High School announces the hiring of Jennifer Gordon as the new band director.

Veteran music educator Jennifer Gordon has been named the new director of the Russellville High School Panther Band, bringing a decorated track record of program building and state-level success to the podium for the upcoming school year. Gordon comes to Russellville with a background in both secondary and collegiate music education. Most recently, she served as the band director for North Harrison Middle and High Schools from 2020 to 2026. Prior to that, she directed bands at West Washington Jr./Sr. High School (2017–2020) and spent 14 years as the pep band director at Indiana University Southeast (2010–2024). Under her leadership at North Harrison, the band program experienced a historic resurgence, making the Scholastic State Finals five consecutive years — a feat the school had not achieved in a decade prior to her arrival. “Gordon is highly regarded for fostering individual student growth, consistently mentoring musicians to all-district and all-region honors, as well as securing numerous gold and silver ratings at solo and ensemble events,” a school release said. “Her knack for program building is evident in her recruitment success. During her tenure at North Harrison, she nearly doubled the winter percussion roster from 19 to 35 members and successfully established a junior varsity winter guard program.” “We are thankful for the addition of Mrs. Jennifer Gordon to the Panther family and Panther Band,” said Drew Teel, principal of Russellville High School. “She comes with prior successes everywhere she has been, and we look forward to her leadership as we continue the excellence that is the Panther Band.” Gordon is a dedicated clarinetist, performing with the IU Southeast Concert Band and at St. Mary of the Knobs Church. “She brings a unique musical flair as a bagpipe player. On a professional level, she is a deeply involved advocate for music education, serving as the Indiana state chair for the prominent organization Women Band Directors International,” the release said. “I am very excited to come join such a vibrant community in Russellville,” said Gordon. “I can’t wait to push the Panther Band as far as it can go. I am eager to meet the students and embrace their traditions.” Originally from Floyds Knobs, Ind., Gordon is moving to the area with her husband of 14 years, Scott, and their two beloved cats, Fenix and Izak. When she isn’t in the band room or on the marching field, she enjoys spending her free time knitting. Gordon will replace Trevor Cardwell. Cardwell led the Panther Band from 2020 to 2026. During his tenure as band director, the Panther Band grew from a 33-member marching band to 81 members. In 2022, the Panther Marching Band made the KMEA Class 2A State Finals for the first time in school history. In 2024, the Panther Concert Band received a Distinguished Rating at the KMEA State Concert Assessment. The Russellville community, students and parents will have opportunities to meet Gordon at a meet-and-greet on Tuesday, June 23, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the RHS Gymnasium. RHS invites all current and former band members, families, the Russellville community and RHS alumni to come meet the new RHS band director.