John Bradley – 2015

Jul 12 2016

John BradleyJohn Bradley is a native of Monroeville, Alabama. He holds the Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts Degrees from the University of Alabama and Certification in School Administration from Alabama State University. At the University of Alabama he was solo trumpet with the Million Dollar Band and was the leader of the Alabama Cavaliers Dance Band. He also played with the University Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Bradley has a total of 36 years of teaching experience in the public schools in Alabama. He has served as band director in Selma, Mt. Brook, and Hueytown as wellas at Monroe County High School and Monroeville Junior High School in Monroeville. His bands have consistently received superior ratings in concert competition at the district and state levels as well as superior ratings in marching competitions. The Monroe County High School band twice received Best in Class awards at the Six Flags Over Georgia Band Competition. He also served as Assistant Principal at Monroeville Middle School and Band Supervisor for the Monroe County Schools for eight years. Mr. Bradley has served as President of the Alabama Bandmasters Association, Chairman of District Vll of ABA and served on the Board of Directors of the Alabama Music Educators Association. He was also appointed by the State Superintendent of Education to serve on a committee to develop the standards for Fine Arts Education in Alabama. He served 5 years with the Alabama National Guard Band and 31 years with the 313th U.S. Army Reserve Band serving 12 years as First Sergeant and Assistant Director. During this time he was the recipient of the Army Commendation Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and served overseas. He has served as President of Phi Beta Mu Bandmaster Honorary Fraternity and is a member of the Alabama Bandmasters Association, Florida Bandmasters Association, Alabama Music Educators Association, and the National Association for Music Education. Mr. Bradley has been a band adjudicator and clinician in the southeastern United States. Since his retirement he has worked part time with the Briarwood Christian School Bands and currently works with the Homewood Band program. He plays trumpet professionally in the Birmingham area. He and his wife Jane live in McCalla, Alabama. They have two daughters and five grandchildren.

Bill Brunner – 2015

Jul 12 2016

Bill BrunnerBill Brunner is a native of Cullman, Alabama and a graduate of the University of Alabama where he earned B.S and M.A. degrees in Music Education. He began his teaching career in 1959 at Vigor High School (Prichard, Alabama) where his bands received “Excellent” ratings at State Competition Festivals his four years there. In 1963 he organized the Austin High School Band in Decatur, Alabama and served as the band director until his retirement in 1988. Under his direction, the Austin Band compiled an impressive record of achievement including top ratings in numerous national concert festivals, and earned 22 consecutive “Superior” ratings at the Alabama State Competition Festivals. Mr. Brunner served as adjudicator and guest conductor in Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, and Florida. State offices he held include President of the Alabama Bandmasters Association and President of Rho Chapter of Phi Beta Mu. In 1988 he was inducted into the Phi Beta Mu Alabama Bandmasters Association Hall of Fame and honored as the “Outstanding Music Educator” by the AMEA. After retiring from teaching, Mr. Brunner was employed by Nuncie’s Music until 2001. After retiring from Nuncie’s, he continued to teach privately in Decatur until moving to Georgia in 2014 to be closer to family.

Jim Duren – 2015

Jul 12 2016

Jim DurenJim Duren was the Director of Bands at Oak Mountain High School from its opening in the fall of 1999 through the end of the 2011-2012 school year. Prior to coming to Oak Mountain, Mr. Duren was Director of Bands at Mountain Brook Jr. High (1973-1978), Mountain Brook High School (1978-1987) and Pelham High School (1987 – 1999). During his 39 year career, Mr. Duren’s bands performed throughout the southeastern and midwestern United States, The Bahamas, Toronto and two performances at Carnegie Hall in New York. Mr. Duren was a graduate of Gordo High School in Pickens County. He received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama. While at the University, he was a member and student conductor of the “Million Dollar Band,” Principal Trombonist in the Symphonic Band, Bass Trombonist with the Brass

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