Mission of the Rainey-McCullers School of the Arts Band Program
The Band Department at RMSOTA features performance-based classes that provide opportunities for advanced-level performers to increase, develop, and refine performance skills and precision on a wind or percussion instrument. This department teaches performance and production skills, analysis and theoretical studies, historical and cultural contributions and influences, creative aspects of music, and appreciation of music at advanced levels of understanding. Individual growth and achievement are encouraged through participation in adjudicated solo and ensemble festivals, district honor bands, and private lessons.
Our Band Faculty
Mr. Brian Walker – Director of BandsBrian Walker is a native of Savannah, Georgia, where he attended Savannah Arts Academy. Having attended a performing arts high school, Mr. Walker is a passionate advocate of Rainey-McCullers and the educational experience of each of its students. He began teaching at Rainey-McCullers in Fall 2021.
Mr. Walker holds a Master of Music degree in Wind Conducting from Columbus State University’s Schwob School of Music, where he studied conducting with Dr. Jamie L. Nix. While a student of Dr. Nix, he conducted both the Wind Orchestra and nationally-acclaimed Schwob Wind Ensemble, directed the CSU Cougar Pep Band, and administered the annual CSU Conductors Workshop.
Mr. Walker received his Bachelor of Music in Music Education from The University of Georgia’s Hodgson School of Music. As a trumpet player, he was a member of the UGA Wind Ensemble, UGA Jazz Ensemble, and a soloist with the Redcoat Marching Band. His primary trumpet professor was Brandon Craswell and he was a member of the UGA British Brass Band under the baton of famed trumpeter Phil Smith.
Throughout the year, Mr. Walker travels nationally with World Projects Inc., working festivals at Carnegie Hall in New York and the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. In his travels he has worked with international music ensembles and conductors while advancing the music education of high school and college students.
Mr. Walker has past experience teaching Concert Band, Marching Band, Jazz Band, String Orchestra, Beginning Piano, Music Appreciation/Composition, and AP Music Theory.
