ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
 
 
July 2008

 
Craig Cantrell
 
Class of 2000


    A native of Gainesville, GA, Craig Cantrell attended Truett-McConnell College from 1997-2000, when he graduated with an Associate in Music degree.  While at TMC, he studied piano with Dr. David George, euphonium with Brian Lambeth and conducting with Dr. John Shipp.  During his tenure at TMC, he performed in every instrumental and choral ensemble available and served as a student assistant in the music department.

After graduating from TMC, Cantrell went on to obtain the Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree from Kennesaw State University.  He continued studying conducting with Peter Witte and Alexander Mickelthwate (associate conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic).  Other influential musicians with whom he has worked include Mercer Crook, Dr. Tom Barnett and Paula Peace in performance; H. Robert Reynolds, Allen McMurry and John Lynch in conducting; and Marianne Ploger in musicianship.  He is currently working toward the Master of Education in Music Education degree from the University of Georgia and also a degree in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University.

Cantrell was appointed Director of Bands at East Hall High School in the fall of 2003.  As only the fourth person to hold this position in the school’s history, he administers all aspects of the music department and serves as chairman of the Department of Fine Arts.  In addition to his administrative duties, he also conducts all of the instrumental music ensembles, including the Viking Marching Band, Concert Band, Wind Symphony, Indoor Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, and other wind chamber groups.

Additionally, he teaches courses in Advanced Placement Music Theory and Musicianship.  He maintains an active schedule as an adjudicator, clinician and guest conductor throughout the state.  He has served as guest conductor of the Northeast Georgia Wind Symphony, the Army Grounds Force Band (Fort McPherson), and the Atlanta Wind Symphony.  He was chosen as one of only ten conductors to participate in the first annual University of Georgia Conductors Workshop. Recently, he was named Teacher of the Year for 2007-2008 for East Hall High School and was appointed District Chair of the Ninth District Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA).

Cantrell is affiliated with professional organizations which include the National Band Association (NBA), National Association of Music Educators (MENC) and Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA) and serves on the Board of Directors for the Northwinds Symphonic Band.  His hobbies include reading, baseball/softball, and playing games with his seven-year-old nephew, Trent.

Craig Cantrell says:  “TMC was the absolute perfect place for me!  The things I learned from Dr. John Shipp and Dr. David George (not only music but life principles as well) I use every day of my life.  Originally TMC was not my first choice (I was born and raised in “Dawg Country!).  However, I believe God put me at Truett-McConnell College to strengthen me in a solid foundation, to introduce me to lifelong friendships, and to allow me to excel academically and musically in a Christ-centered environment.  I’ll always cherish my days at Truett-McConnell!”
 
 
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