The Trailblazing Man Underneath the Hat

Dr. Kelvin Jones is a visionary leader whose multifaceted career bridges the worlds of music, education, real estate, and entrepreneurship. An internationally respected educator, GRAMMY-nominated musician, conductor, arranger, drill designer, speaker, and entrepreneur, he is widely known for his ability to inspire, build, and lead with purpose. Whether he's standing on a podium, in front of a classroom, or walking through a real estate development site, Dr. Jones brings a bold combination of discipline, creativity, and service-driven leadership to everything he does.

As the first African American director in the history of the LSU Tiger Marching Band, Dr. Jones made history while redefining what a collegiate band could be. Under his leadership, the Golden Band from Tigerland became a cultural force—setting new standards for collegiate marching bands through high-energy, trendsetting performances that captivated national television audiences and went viral across digital platforms. He led the ensemble at some of the nation’s most prominent events, including College Football Playoff games, National Championship stages, multiple SEC Championships, the Zulu Mardi Gras parade, and New Orleans Saints games. His innovative direction also led to the band’s 2023 GRAMMY nomination for a groundbreaking collaboration with Zydeco artist Sean Ardoin. Widely recognized for his visionary approach, Dr. Jones earned national acclaim from organizations like the College Band Directors National Association and the Athletic Band Symposium, for fusing tradition with bold innovation.

Beyond the podium, Dr. Jones is a powerful motivational speaker who travels the country delivering keynote addresses and workshops on leadership, resilience, creativity, and personal growth. His talks resonate across industries—from education to business—and are grounded in real-life experience, humility, and a passion for empowering others to take bold steps toward their goals.

Dr. Jones is also the founder and owner of the APE brands (All Positive Energy): APE Investments, APE Properties, and APE Consulting Services. Through these ventures, he leads real estate development projects that revitalize neighborhoods, create access to housing, and generate opportunities for community growth and generational wealth. His work in real estate is rooted in service—helping others build financial stability through property ownership, education, and intentional investment.

In the realm of music education, Dr. Jones works closely with K–12 school districts and university programs across the country, consulting on curriculum development, instructional strategies, and effective teaching practices. As a Conn Selmer Educational Clinician and instructor at the Smith-Walbridge Drum Major Clinic, he mentors the next generation of student leaders and educators, offering training that blends technical mastery with leadership development.

He has conducted performances at iconic venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Cannon Center and has collaborated with celebrated composers including Steven Bryant, Omar Thomas, John Mackey, and Alex Shapiro. His writing is published in The Instrumentalist, Teaching Music Through Performance in Band (GIA Publications), and Oxford University Press.

Dr. Jones has received numerous honors, including Louisiana’s Young Music Educator of the Year, the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra’s Teacher of Distinction Award, and faculty mentorship and community impact awards from LSU and the State of Louisiana. He holds degrees from Jackson State University and Louisiana State University and is an active member of numerous professional organizations such as Phi Beta Mu Bandmasters Association and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

On the side, he also runs Bones Jones BBQ—a catering business rooted in family tradition, soulful food, and community fellowship.

Dr. Jones resides in Louisiana with his wife, Felicia, a nurse practitioner, and their two sons, Samuel and Kye-Parker.