Gilbert Aylsworth : 1938-69
(30 years)

1938-57 at French Lick High School
1958-69 at Springs Valley High School

John Aylsworth : 1969 - 1995
(26 years)

John Aylsworth was the Director of Bands at Springs Valley for twenty-six years. He took the position after his father, Gilbert Aylsworth, retired in 1969.

John is easily considered one of the greatest band directors in Indiana history. Under his direction, Springs Valley made sixteen state finals appearances including one state championship (1977) and two state runners-up. Over his tenure, the Brigade became the fourth most successful ISSMA Class D band in state history.

John is still on staff at Springs Valley. He helps his son, Luke, who is now the Director of Bands at Springs Valley.

Larry Burton : 1995-1998
(3 years)

Following the retirement of legendary director John Aylsworth, Springs Valley and Morehead State University alumni Larry Burton took the reigns of the Blackhawk Brigade program.

During his tenure, the Brigade were regional finalist two of his three years. Following his departure, he assisted at South Putnam, Perry Central, and Orleans.

Larry is currently the Director of Bands at Northeast Dubois High School (Dubois, Ind.)

Don Cochran : 1998-2000
(2 years)

Don Coachran took over for Larry Burton in 1998. Cochran, a graduate of Homestead High School (Ft. Wayne, Indiana) and Indiana University of Ft. Wayne, took the Brigade to the BOA Grand Nationals in 1999.

David Kahl : 2000-2001
(1 year)

David Kahl took over the Springs Valley program in 2000. Kahl is a graduate of Transylvania University (Lexington, Kentucky). Kahl resigned after one season. He is now the Director of Music at New Washington High School in New Washington, Indiana. (New Wash. Website)

Luke Aylsworth : 2001 - Present
(8th Year)

Luke Aylsworth took over as director of Springs Valley following a one year stint at Orleans High School in Orleans, Indiana.

Aylsworth, a graduate of Springs Valley High School and Indiana University, took over a program with the lowest number of participants in program history. Following a few rebuilding years, the Brigade has been restored to the tradition is once held when his dad was director in the 80s and 90s.

Since returning to Springs Valley, he has led the Brigade back to the ISSMA State finals in both 2006 and 2007, finishing second in '07. The program has also grown from 35 in 2001 to 85 marchers and over 100 participating in the program in 2007.