Matthew Chang is a proud alumnus of Blue Springs High School and currently serves as Assistant Band Director and Percussion Specialist. He has dedicated over 22 years to the Blue Springs Department of Bands, where he coordinates the Front Ensemble and Audio Team for the Blue Springs High School Marching Band.
During his tenure, the band has been a multiple-time Bands of America (BOA) Super Regional Finalist in St. Louis, Indianapolis, Atlanta, and San Antonio, as well as a five-time Grand National Finalist. The band has also performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (three times), the Tournament of Roses Parade (twice), the Presidential Inaugural Parade, and the Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The Blue Springs Band is also a proud recipient of the Sudler Shield.
Beyond the marching band, Matthew supports the Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Wind Symphony, and directs multiple percussion ensembles. He also serves as Audio Engineer and Percussion Consultant for the Wildcat Jazz Ensemble and was Music Director and Conductor for BSHS theater productions from 2018 to 2022. In addition to his teaching roles, Matthew has performed as a drumset player and cellist in numerous musical theater productions at BSHS and throughout the Kansas City area.
Matthew helped launch the Music Technology career pathway at the Blue Springs School District Career Innovations Center, where he teaches college-credit courses in partnership with the University of Central Missouri.
In 2024, Mr. Chang joined the Bluecoats Audio Team. He also enjoys teaching a private percussion and cello studio and consults with schools across Missouri and Kansas on audio systems and design.
Matthew began studying cello at age 4 and percussion at age 10, earning All-State honors in both. He holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of Central Missouri, where he performed with the Marching Mules, Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and University Quartet. He won the Independence Young Artist Competition in 2002 and was a finalist in the UCM Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition in 2015. He also founded the university’s chapter of the American String Teachers Association, serving as its president.
Matthew is deeply grateful to his longtime mentor and colleague, Dr. Tim Allshouse, for the opportunity to serve so many incredible students. Matthew is passionate about teaching and takes pride in helping students grow through dedication and hard work—encouraging them to exceed their own expectations. He is excited to be part of the Innovative Percussion family.