Refsnider received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from VanderCook College of Music under the tutelage of Dr. Charles Menghini. Refsnider went on to study with John Bruce Yeh, Assistant Principal Clarinetist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and received his Master of Music degree in clarinet performance from the University of Notre Dame. At Notre Dame he served as a graduate assistant, leading the undergraduate clarinet studio, directing the clarinet choir, and assisting Dr. Kenneth Dye with the concert and athletic bands. Refsnider was awarded the Outstanding Graduate Student Teacher Award by the Knaeb Center for Teaching and Learning for his work with the undergraduate clarinet students.

Refsnider began his teaching career as Director of Bands at Roseburg High School in Roseburg, Oregon. He returned to Chicago, accepting the positions of Director of Continuing Education and Associate Professor of Clarinet at VanderCook College of Music. Refsnider’s passion for wind band and pageantry eventually drew him back to the classroom where he worked as an elementary music specialist and assistant high school band director in the Salem-Keizer Public School District before accepting the position of Director of Bands at Aloha High School in Beaverton, Oregon.

Refsnider became Associate Director of Bands at James Logan High School in Union City, California, in August of 2012. Since his appointment, his responsibilities have included conducting the Concert and Symphonic Bands, assisting with the Wind Symphony, and serving as woodwind specialist during marching band season. In addition to his duties at James Logan, Refsnider was Assistant Corps Director of the Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps in 2014 and 2015.