Kip Crowder has worked in the Barren County School system since 1999 and has served as the high school band director since 2003. Prior to his high school appointment, Kip was the general music teacher and assistant band director at Barren County Middle School. In addition to his classroom duties, Dr. Crowder conducts the BCHS Marching Band, Pep Band as well as the High School and Middle School Percussion Ensembles. Under his direction, the Barren County Ensembles have received consistent distinguished ratings at both the State and District level concert band and solo and ensemble festivals. The competitive marching band has placed in finals at the Contest of Champions for three consecutive years and has held the Kentucky Governors Cup for four years. The BCHS Concert Band has placed first at 5 Music in the Parks Festivals and was named the 2010 Grand National Champion of the All-Star Music Festival in Florida for posting the highest score in 12 consecutive weekends of competition.
Dr. Crowder holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Middle Tennessee State University, a Masters degree in Music Education and a Doctor of the Musical Arts degree from the University of Kentucky. During his undergraduate career, Kip studied applied percussion with Professor Lalo Davila and instrumental music with Professors Joseph T. Smith and Richard Murphy. While pursuing his graduate degrees at the University of Kentucky, Kip studied applied percussion with Professor James B. Campbell and was assistant director of the U.K. Steel Band and Percussion Ensemble. Kip has served as an adjudicator for the Kentucky All-State Bands, Kentucky Music Educators Association solo and ensemble festivals, as well as KMEA marching and concert band festivals. Kip is the current “Band Chair- Elect” for the KMEA 3rd District. His bands have received consistent distinguished ratings at state and district level large ensemble assessments. The BCHS Concert Band will perform in Carnegie Hall on April 15, 2012. Additionally, Kip has been named High School Teacher of the Year for the KMEA 3rd District. Dr. Crowder also holds several professional affiliations including Phi Beta Mu, Percussive Arts Society, NAfME, KMEA, Christian Educators Association and Phi Mu Alpha.