Christian County High School Band Director Anthony Darnall has been named the 2023 Phi Beta Mu Young Band Director of the Year.
He was presented the award on Saturday during the All-State Band Concert at the Kentucky Center in Louisville as part of the Kentucky Music Educators Association conference.
Darnall has served as band director at Christian County High School for the past eight years. During that time the band has grown from 22 members to 110 members and offers a variety of opportunities for students including concert band, jazz band, pep band, marching band, winter guards, indoor drumline, percussion ensemble, and small ensembles.
The band has won numerous local and state awards in the pageantry arts, including two state marching band final appearances and two 4A West Regional Championships.
During Darnall’s tenure, the Colonel Band has received Distinguished Ratings at Spring Concert Assessment and Jazz Assessment events. In addition, the Colonel Jazz Band and Colonel Percussion Ensemble have both been selected to play as featured ensembles at the KMEA Professional Development Conference.
In 2019, Darnall was awarded the KMEA 3rd District High School Teacher of the Year. Darnall has a Bachelor’s Degree from Murray State University and a Master’s Degree from the University of Alabama. Currently, Darnall serves as Band Chair for the KMEA 3rd District and has served as Jazz Chair.