Rockhurst University Director of Athletics Kristy Bayer has announced the hiring of John Wilson to lead the new RU Pep Band.

With close to 40 years of experience in directing college and high school bands, Wilson spent the past year as the director of athletic bands and assistant professor of music at Benedictine College. Prior to that, he was the director of instrumental studies at Southwest Baptist University from 2022-24. He also served as the director of bands and department chair at the Raymore-Peculiar R-II School District and the Raytown C-2 School District from 1998-2020.

"We are thrilled to welcome John as the new leader of the Rockhurst Pep Band," Bayer said. "His wealth of experience will be a great benefit to our students and pep band members. The pep band is a critical element to the gameday experience at our athletic events."

Wilson received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Southwest Baptist before going on to earn his Master of Science in Secondary Administration from the University of Central Missouri. He is currently finishing his Ph.D. in Music Education at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

"I'm excited and honored to serve as the new director of the Rockhurst Pep Band," said Wilson. "I look forward to being a part of the gameday experience at Mason-Halpin Field House."