Dustin McKinney is the vocal music director at Kearney High School and Kearney Junior High, where his choirs have excelled at district, regional, and state competitions, with many students earning All-District and All-State honors. Under his leadership, several ensembles have been invited to perform at MMEA: Frequency (Jazz Choir) in 2025, Kearney Chamber Choir in 2019, and the East Buchanan Chamber Choir in 2014.
McKinney’s teaching experience spans large and small school districts, having taught K-12 music for the Polo School District and 6-12 vocal music at East Buchanan. His students frequently achieved superior ratings at contests, and his students were regularly selected for district and state honors.
He has served in various organizational leadership roles, including Northwest District Representative for MCDA, District Choir Coordinator for Northwest MCDA, Choral Treasurer for Northwest MMEA, and Choral Vice President for Northwest MMEA. Known for his organizational skills, McKinney is a respected mentor to both students and educators.
He holds degrees from Central Methodist, Missouri State, and William Woods and is an active clinician for honor choirs. McKinney is committed to advancing choral music education and fostering student achievement. He lives in Kearney with his wife, Veronica, and daughters, Adryan and Kaylin.