Matthew Baucum is originally from Paducah, Kentucky and currently in his 25th year as an educator. He holds a Ed.S. Degree in Instructional Leadership from the University of The Cumberlands, a Master of Arts degree in trombone performance from the University of Iowa and a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Murray State University. Mr. Baucum is currently serving his fifth year as Assistant Principal at Central Hardin High School in Cecilia, Kentucky.  Prior to his current position, Mr. Baucum served for 14 years as the Director of Bands at East Hardin Middle School in Glendale, Kentucky. 

As the Director of Bands at East Hardin, Mr. Baucum conducted the 6th-8th grade bands, where approximately 30% of the student population was enrolled in the instrumental music program. Under his direction the East Hardin Bands consistently received distinguished ratings at KMEA Large Ensemble Assessments. In addition, East Hardin Band students consistently placed well at all-district band auditions and had great success at solo & ensemble festivals. Previously Mr. Baucum served the Kentucky Music Educators Association as Fourth District Jazz Chair, Fourth District Band Chair, Fourth District President and was named the Fourth District Middle School Teacher of the Year in 2010, 2014 and 2017. In addition, he has served as a guest conductor for multiple All-District Bands and the Western Kentucky University Middle School Honor Band on two occasions.  He has presented numerous trombone master classes and clinics and most recently co-presented a clinic at the 2017 KMEA Professional Development Conference titled “Trombone Tips, Tricks, and Techniques for the Band Room” with University of Kentucky Trombone Professor Bradley Kerns. 

Before his appointment at Central Hardin High  School, Mr. Baucum was the Director of Bands at East Hardin Middle School in Glendale, Kentucky, LaRue County Middle School in Hodgenville, Kentucky and at Reidland High School in Paducah, Kentucky.  He currently resides in Upton, Kentucky with his wife Kelly, children Huston and Lillian, and cat Hannah.  Matthew has been a member of the Heartland Winds since its inception in 2007 and is greatly honored to be named the sixth conductor of the ensemble as it enters its 18th year performing .