News

Highly respected band director Richard Canter has joined the esteemed roster of KHS America Academic Alliance affiliated educators, representing Jupiter Band Instruments and the entire family of KHS educational brands.

KHS Musical Instruments Co., Ltd. is thrilled to announce significant upgrades to our Jupiter low brass instruments. These enhancements, developed in collaboration with world-renowned low brass artist Patrick Sheridan, mark a new era of playability and sound quality for musicians. Sheridan's experience, expertise and passion have been instrumental in the evolution of Jupiter instruments. His insights have ensured that the new designs meet the highest standards of performance and comfort.

Kevin Boyle, a distinguished Georgia educator with nearly two decades of experience, is the newest affiliated educational artist within the KHS America Academic Alliance, representing Jupiter Winds, Mapex Marching Drums, and Majestic Percussion.

Acclaimed woodwind artist and educator Max Dvorin has joined the distinguished artist roster for Jupiter Band Instruments. Known for his exceptional talent and versatile expertise across multiple woodwind instruments, Dvorin brings a wealth of experience and artistry to the Jupiter family.

Esteemed music educator and conductor Mandy Boonshaft is making her affiliation with the KHS America family of brands official, as an educational artist for Jupiter and Azumi, and endorser of Hercules stands.

Jupiter Band Instruments proudly welcomes renowned bass trombone and valve trombone recording artist Joshua Hernandez to its roster. Hernandez, a versatile musician based in Austin, Texas, joins Jupiter as a valve trombone artist, while also showcasing his talent on the Jupiter alto horn and XO bass trombone.

KHS America is pleased to announce that John Richardson has joined their team as Artist & Educator Relations Manager. In this role, Richardson will guide artist relations activity for all brands, while also assuming direct responsibility for U.S. based artists representing Jupiter Band Instruments, XO Brass, Altus Flutes, and Majestic Percussion

Patrick Sheridan, renowned musician and educator, has been honored with The Edwin Franko Goldman Memorial Citation by the American Bandmasters Association (ABA) for his distinguished contributions to bands and band music in America. This prestigious award recognizes Sheridan's profound impact on the world of music through his innovative collaborations and pioneering initiatives.

The Lahainaluna band program lost nearly 20 instruments in the August fires. Despite the school remaining intact and students surviving, some had brought their instruments home and had to leave them behind as they fled for their lives. KHS America stepped in to donate 17 new instruments, including Jupiter flutes, clarinets, trumpets, saxophones, and more.

The moment Lahainaluna students opened the crate containing the new instruments, they were exploding with excitement and joy, according to their band director, Jalen Baraoidan.

KHS America, the U.S. home of Jupiter wind instruments, is proud to announce the introduction of four new finishes for the newly upgraded Jupiter 1100 Performance Series Alto Saxophone. These captivating limited-edition finishes offer musicians an expanded range of options to suit their individual style, personality, or mood.

The four alluring limited-edition finishes include Gilded Onyx, Burnished Auburn, Natural Brass, and Twilight Smoke. These finishes provide exciting alternatives to the existing options of gold lacquered brass, all silver-plated, and silver-plated with gold lacquer keys.

The KHS America Academic Alliance recently teamed up with two of their long-standing Drum Corps International partner ensembles to provide tickets for band students to attend DCI competitions in order to aid in school band program recruitment and retention. The Academic Alliance and its affiliated brands; Jupiter Winds, XO Brass, Mapex Drums and Majestic Percussion, supported this year’s Drums Across the Desert, hosted by The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps, as Presenting Sponsor and Drum Corps at the Rose Bowl, hosted by Pacific Crest as an Outreach Program Sponsor and Resource Partner.

KHS America, Jupiter Winds and XO Brass are proud to announce partnership with Mo’Horns to perform exclusively on XO brass instruments and Jupiter saxophones. Mo’Horns, founded in 1991, includes trombonist Marvin Thompson (now playing an XO 1634LT), saxophone player James Cheeks (using Jupiter JAS1100SG alto and a JTS1100SG tenor), and trumpeter Theljon Allen (playing the XO 1600i). They serve as voting members of the Recording Academy and have appeared on multiple nominated and Grammy Award winning projects.

KHS Music, the manufacturer of XO Professional Brass Instruments, is excited to announce the official launch of the XO Professional Double Horns (1650 and 1650D), the first French horns in the line. After over a decade of engineering and design, XO has unveiled a horn featuring superior slotting and intonation of notes in all ranges, with unparalleled consistency of feel and tonal balance across both sides of the instrument.

In his new role, Mr. Andreas will oversee all Sales and Marketing activities for KHS America’s Educational Division including Jupiter, XO and Azumi Winds, Mapex and Majestic Concert and Marching Percussion, Sonor Orff, and the recent addition of Nuvo Instruments.

In an effort to continually provide useful free resources for band directors, KHS America has been working diligently to build upon their Virtual Education Series that was launched last spring. This new season of the series will focus on relevant topics and offer stimulating interaction with top experts. Free and easy access will allow band directors around the world convenient ways to participate, including the opportunity to receive a Professional Development Certificate for each session they attend live.

Majestic, one of the world's most established manufacturers of percussion instruments and a core brand of the KHS America Academic Alliance, is proud to announce that one Majestic M6543D Concert Marimba will be awarded to a school as the Grand Prize of its first Sweepstakes of 2021!

KHS America and Jupiter Band Instruments, a leading supplier of musical instruments, is excited to announce Washington Jr. High School in Bentonville, AR as the winner of our 2020 Tuba Sweepstakes, and the proud new owner of a Jupiter JTU1110 tuba.

Drum roll, please… Congratulations to Eden Prairie High School of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, for winning the Academic Alliance Quantum Mark II Sweepstakes. Over 600 Academic Alliance member schools participated in the sweepstakes that ran from June 2019 to May 2020. As the winner, Eden Prairie High School, an Academic Alliance member since 2019, will be the recipient of 5 snares, 3 tenors, and 5 bass drums to be sized, configured, and finished to their requests.

KHS America has entered into a strategic partnership with Lesson Squad to digitally empower affiliated artists across all of its musical instrument brands, including Mapex Drums, Jupiter & XO Winds, Hohner Harmonicas and Accordions, Hercules Stands and more.

KHS America is excited to announce the new and innovative Jupiter Join the Band! Wind Instrument Try-Out Kit. This durable, compact, and affordable trial pack is an ideal tool for introducing school band instrument mouthpieces to prospective incoming band students.

Under difficult circumstance of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, Jupiter educators are providing Virtual Musical Education and Inspiring Videos to students.

Jupiter Winds, Mapex Drums, and Majestic Percussion are pleased to announce The Virtual Education Series for students and music teachers throughout the world, presented in partnership with the International Music Education Summit. As measures are taken to control the COVID-19 outbreak, many teachers are being asked to provide content virtually to their students, often without additional training and resources.  KHS America (Jupiter Winds, Mapex Drums & Majestic Percussion) wants to help music teachers provide weekly content to their students, direct from highly regarded professionals.

In partnership with the International Music Education Summit, Jupiter, Mapex and Majestic are proud to announce the 2020 Virtual Band Festival, allowing middle and high school bands throughout the United States to submit a video or audio recording to a panel of judges to receive quality feedback and a rating score.  Adjudicators include freelance recording artist and clinician Patrick Sheridan, Director of Bands Emeritus at Tennessee Tech University Dr. Joseph Hermann and Senior Band Conductor and Director of Wind Ensembles at Vanderbilt University Dr. Thomas Verrier. 

Since 1980, Jupiter has been creating wind instruments that give musicians the confidence to perform their very best and fully express their creativity. Today there is a full line offer in a wide variety of high-quality instrument models to serve players of all levels of expertise.

On Wednesday, November 13, 2019 the biggest names in country music took the stage at the 53^rd Annual CMA Awards in Nashville, TN.  During the event, Carrie Underwood performed her single “Drinking Alone” from her latest tour, Cry Pretty, that featured Jupiter Tenor Sax Artist, Chad Jeffers.

With its big bore, big bell, and 4 front-piston valves, the innovative design of the Jupiter JTU1110 tuba is unique. Jupiter has collaborated with world renowned artist Patrick Sheridan to re-introduce the Jupiter JTU1110 BBb tuba with multiple upgrades.

Jupiter band instruments is excited to announce the release of the all new JTB1150 Performance Series trombones. The new one-piece leadpipe delivers an effortless playing experience with the new minimal resistance design. With a large .547” bore, the JTB1150F has big and dark sound that perfectly suits orchestral, symphonic, and wind ensemble repertoire. With options such as rose or yellow brass and open or the traditional wrap, a player can choose what type of sound and feel they desire. Simply choose whatever you like! The one-piece lead pipe enforces the bonding of inner slide and the tube, ensuring a dependable instrument for everlasting practice or performance. Visit below models for more information on available configurations of the Jupiter JTB1150F trombones. Together We Can Succeed!

Jupiter band instruments is excited to announce the all new 700 Series trombone line. The re-designed leadpipe design allows the instruments to respond quickly and easily to support early success for young trombonists. The extended-lever water key allows the player to drain the condensation quickly and with minimal effort. The Jupiter student trombones feature the customizable Jupiter MyCase or softcase. For more model and feature information about 700 Series trombones, visit below models for more details. Together We Can Succeed!

Jupiter Band Instruments, member of the KHS America family of brands, has once again partnered with the John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival’s Student Essay Contest. This is the 5th consecutive year Jupiter Band Instruments have partnered with the festival.

As part of the Texas Bandmasters Association (TBA) and KHS America Academic Student Melody Competition, the winning theme was used as thematic material for a full wind ensemble piece.  This year’s winning melody titled “Inevitable” was composed by Jose Angle Salinas, currently a sophomore at Glenda Dawson High School near Houston, and was premiered by the US Air Force Band of the West at the recent Texas Bandmasters Association Conference to a full house. KHS America provided accommodations for Jose’s family which included his father Jose Sr., mother Patricia, and sister Bianca along with his band director Nathan Coronado to be in attendance at the premiere and to be a part of the TBA Conference.

Congratulations to Jose Salinas, freshman at Glenda Dawson High School in Pearland, TX, for being selected as the winner of the 2018 TBA Student Melody Competition. Mr. Salinas began playing the tenor trombone in 6th grade band and plays the bass trombone in his high school wind ensemble. Jose also plays the piano and likes to compose music and just recently wrote a piece for his high school choir. In addition to playing in his school’s ensembles, Jose is a member of the Houston Youth Symphony and studies Music Theory.



Each year KHS America awards a college scholarship to a member of the United States Army All American Marching Band (USAAAMB).  There were 17 applicants this year and the winner was announced during the band’s banquet in San Antonio, TX on Saturday, January 6th.  The 2018 winner was Elissa Travis from Hamilton High School in Chandler, AZ.

As a result of the continuing growth and expansion of KHS Musical Instruments, President and CEO Karl Leong has announced that KHS America President Tabor Stamper has been appointed President Emeritus and KHS Global Advisor, supporting KHS’s global development efforts.

Replacing Stamper as President of KHS America is industry veteran Jerry Goldenson. Goldenson has been with KHS America since August, 2016.

KHS America announces the release of the new Jupiter Sax Gig Strap JCM-SXNS01.  This over-the-shoulders strap is constructed of leather and suede giving it the durability and comfort necessary for those long gigs or for players on the marching field.  Multiple adjustment points allow the perfect fit every time.  The convenient design also allows the player to put it on and remove with ease!

KHS America announces the release of the Jupiter MyCase for the 700 Series Student Instruments. This new case is more durable, stylish and lightweight and features upgraded hardware, including captive hinge pins, scratch resistant ABS material, ability to stack (even the trombone case!), and interchangeable decals to allow students to customize their case to match their personal style. 

The purpose of this competition is to identify, recognize, and honor outstanding high school musicians who demonstrate a significantly high standard of excellence in performance. Review the requirements now.

As part of the TBA/KHS America Academic Student Melody Competition, the winning theme titled ”Devil’s Perspective” was used as thematic material for a full wind ensemble piece.  This year’s winning melody was composed by Quinton Porter, currently a senior at Timber Creek High School near Dallas, and was premiered by the US Air Force Band of the West at the recent Texas Bandmasters Association Conference.

At the invitation of BLUME (Building Leaders Using Music Education) president Janet Anthony, Dr. Milt Allen of The Music Guerrilla and Jupiter Artist/Educational Clinician went to Haiti to assist in teaching at 2 music camps and to explore the possibility of further partnerships.

We are providing the winning piece from our 2017 TBA Melody Competition, "Devil's Perspective" for FREE.  This piece was premiered at the United States Air Force Band of the West during the 2017 Texas Bandmasters Annual Convention.

KHS America is proud to welcome one of today’s top touring professional brass quintets, Presidio Brass, as the newest member of the KHS America Academic Alliance performing exclusively on XO Professional Brass Instruments.

Congratulations to Quinton Porter, junior at Timber Creek High School in Fort Worth, TX, for being selected as the winner of the 2017 TBA Student Melody Competition.

The 2017 Student Melody Competition received 89 entries submitted by 6th - 12th grade students from across the state of Texas.

With the echoes of left hand rimshots still ringing in the University of Dayton Arena, and the images of artful pageantry fresh in our minds, Jupiter, Mapex and Majestic salute the ensembles who took part in the WGI Sport of the Arts 2017 World Championships.

Congratulations! Sarah Morrison from Davidson High School won Jupiter JFH1100R of Music Scholarship ! 

It was the first day of school for Central High School band students in Baton Rouge on August 11th, 2016.  Many students took school-owned instruments home to practice, not realizing how their lives would change in the next 48 hours. The flood that hit this area of the country not only swallowed up many of their homes, but took their belongings, including these musical instruments. 

Every once in a while a story comes along that shows the healing power of music and music education. Stories like Connor Derraugh’s reinforce the positive effects music can have on the body and mind.

A back to school message from Peter Loel Boonshaft, Director of Education, Jupiter Band Instruments.

There are so many Facebook pages out there, sometimes it's difficult to know which ones are worth Liking. Here's our top 5 for music educators, musicians, and parents of musicians.

We are providing the winning piece from our 2015 Student Melody Competition "City of Joy" for FREE.  This piece was premiered at the 2015 NAfME conference in Nashville, TN.

After months of dedication, Jupiter is very pleased and excited to announce the launch of the brand new website. With a fresh new look and user-friendly navigation, we hope that you will enjoy our new site.

Ah yes, the percussion section, ever so important to the whole sound of the ensemble and ever so responsible for sounds you rarely want to hear. Talking too much, horsing around, not watching the conductor, not playing in time, etc. These are unfortunately traits of the average student percussionist. 

We are proud to have been recognized as as the 2015 Band and Orchetra Instrument Line of the Year by Music Merchandise Review (MMR).

Jupiter announces the release of the new, all-lacquered, JAS700 student alto and JTS700 student tenor saxophones. While retaining design elements intended to accommodate the playability and durability requirements of beginning band, these instruments feature the professional look of lacquered body and keys.

Jupiter proudly introduces the new JSS1100 Soprano Saxophone. The professional features of this performance level Soprano make it the perfect choice for the advancing student, or semi-professional saxophonist.

The purpose of the John Philip Sousa Foundation National Young Artists Solo Competition is to identify, recognize, and honor outstanding high school musicians who demonstrate a significantly high standard of excellence in performance.

JUPITER is pleased to introduce a new string action JHR1110 model to meet the diverse needs of different artists and markets.

With these upgraded features, the JUPITER JHR1100 Performance Level Double Horn with mechanical linkage will bring the discerning musician a more comfortable playing experience.

Review of JEP1120 by Brandon Jones.

The winner of the 2015 National Student Melody Competition is 17 year old Joseph Ham from Ruston, LA for his composition "The City of Joy."

"Participating in school band programs since the sixth grade, I have been extremely fortunate to have had three outstanding band directors who not only have challenged me to become the best player I could be, but also have encouraged me in my journey as a composer," said high school senior Joseph Ham. "I plan to enroll at Louisiana Tech next fall, majoring in Cyber-engineering with a minor in Music Technology, with a goal of creating music technology for the next generation. And, of course, I will never stop composing and playing! Without music education and the teachers who taught me, I never would have known the possibilities that exist."

The folks with the Macon County High School band had an unfortunate accident recently and although no one was hurt, several of their instruments suffered damage.  Joey Wilburn, Band Director for the Macon County HS band, reached out to Rick DeJonge at Jupiter Band Instruments for help.  Rick and the team at Jupiter took swift action to provide replacement instruments for the band.

Music advocacy group Be Part of the Music today announces the launch of its program, which aims to inspire one million new students to enroll in America’s public school music programs annually.

The new Jupiter JEP1100 Compensating Euphonium is the result of years of research by the Jupiter design team along with a council of worldwide consultants.  The goal was to create a superior quality instrument with impeccable intonation that responds well in all registers with great tonal warmth and brilliance.

Jupiter Band Instruments adds to their popular 1100 step-up series by launching the Jupiter JCL1100S Clarinet.

Tabor Stamper, President of  KHS America, awards Chauncey Kleveland with a $1,000 scholarship to help her pursue her dream of becoming a Music Educator.

Almost one year ago Jupiter launched their “Banded” campaign that highlights the common ground shared among musicians, music educators, parents of musicians, school music retailers, community supporters and the Jupiter team. The campaign continues to grow and now has an official online home: www.GetBanded.com.

KHS America is proud to support the Give a Note Foundation in its goal to connect business and community leaders for support of music education for every child.