HS Band Director David McGrath '87 Returns to Campus

December 14, 2010

December 14, 2010, Greencastle, Ind. — David McGrath, director of bands at Kell High School in Marietta, Georgia and 1987 graduate of DePauw University, was back at his alma mater today. McGrath brought the Kell Wind Symphony, which was en route to Chicago, to DePauw's campus for a rehearsal at the Judson and Joyce Green Center for the Performing Arts. The Kell Wind Symphony was invited to perform at the MidWest Clinic: An International Band and Orchestra Conference, which is taking place in Chicago, December 14 – 17.  

Founded in 1946, the MidWest Clinic is an internationally renowned conference for professional music educators and college music education students.  For an ensemble to be invited to perform, it submits to a rigorous application and audition process.

"This is an exceptional honor for any high school band or orchestra," says Craig Paré, professor of music and conductor of the DePauw University Band. "Having the invitation extended to the Wind Symphony is a testament of the high standards and musical accomplishments of the Kell Band program under the leadership of David McGrath."

McGrath (pictured below and at top in rehearsals Tuesday) has been teaching high school bands in Michigan and Georgia for 23 years.  He holds a Bachelor of Arts from DePauw University and a Master of Arts from Eastern Michigan University.  Ensembles under his direction have received numerous honors and invitations to perform at concerts, festivals, and clinics across the United States. Appearances include Bands of America National Concert Band Festival (2000, 2006 and 2007), eleven appearances in the Michigan State Marching Band Championships (winning nine state championships), and consistently ranking as Finalists in Bands of America competitions. 

In 1999, McGrath led the Plymouth-Canton Educational Park Marching Band to become the Bands of America Grand National Champion, and recently, the Carlton J. Kell High School Marching Band has been a ten-time Bands of America Regional and Super Regional Finalist and has been named the Bands of America Regional Champion twice. McGrath has been awarded the National Band Association Citation of Excellence on four separate occasions, and in 1996 he enjoyed the distinct honor of performing an hour-long concert for President Bill Clinton. 

"We are extremely proud of David and of his successes in building outstanding band programs such as the one at Kell High School," adds Dr. Paré.

Founded in 1884, the DePauw University School of Music is one of the oldest in the nation and has an established tradition of educating leaders in virtually every facet of music, including performers, educators, composers and administrators. Learn more here.

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