GRAYSON — For more than 40 years, March has been designated by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) as Music In Our Schools Month® (MIOSM®). The positive impact of music education in the lives of students lasts a lifetime. Therefore, ensuring equitable access to music education for the youngest members of our society – students – is paramount.
Every day, in classrooms and rehearsal rooms across our school district, music educators dedicate themselves to reaching all students with life-changing musical experiences. Parents, administrators, and the wider community often only see the wonderful results of music performances; however, we miss the months of practice and rehearsals and more importantly the learning process that takes place to make it all happen.
Members of our community are encouraged to acknowledge and celebrate music education as an essential part of every student’s educational journey.
As part of Carter County’s Music in Our Schools Month celebration we recently held our annual Carter County All-County Band. This took place at West Carter High School on Saturday March 14.
This year we were very excited to have Lawrence Banks as our guest conductor, conducting the band on Excelsior! by James Cunrow, Stay by Randall Standridge, Irish Legend arranged by Joseph Eidson, Joy by Frank Ticheli, and the Phantom of the Opera arranged by Michael Sweeney.
Lawrence Banks is an experienced and dedicated music educator currently in his fifteenth year with the Catholic Diocese of Lexington. He teaches 5th-8th grade band at Seton Catholic School and Christ The King School, as well as grades 9-12 at Lexington Catholic High School (LCHS), where he conducts both the Concert and Symphonic Bands. In addition to his responsibilities with the main ensembles, Mr. Banks also oversees the jazz band, percussion ensemble, and pep bands at LCHS.
Mr. Banks is a respected member of several prestigious music organizations, including the Music Educators National Conference, the Kentucky Music Educators Association, and the American School Band Directors Association. He is also a proud member of Phi Mu Alpha and Phi Beta Mu Bandmaster Fraternity. His expertise extends beyond the classroom, as he is a sought-after adjudicator and clinician throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
A graduate of Morehead State University, Lawrence earned his bachelor’s degree in music education there. During his time at Morehead, he was an active member of the university’s marching band, serving as drum major for three years. He studied tuba under Dr. Stacy Baker and received his conducting instruction from Dr. Richard Miles, both of whom influenced his development as a musician and educator.
Before joining the Diocese of Lexington, Mr. Banks served as the assistant band director at George Rogers Clark High School in Winchester, KY, where he also taught elementary music for grades K-5.
In addition to his teaching career, Lawrence has a rich performing background. He has played with several notable musical ensembles, including the Morehead State University Symphony and Marching Bands, The Sacred Winds Music Ministries, The Lexington Brass Band, The Miles of Jazz Orchestra, The Bluegrass Area Jazz Ambassadors, the Central Kentucky Concert Band, and the BlueBrass Quintet.
Outside of his professional commitments, Lawrence is passionate about working with area high school marching bands. A sports enthusiast, he is an avid supporter of the UK Wildcats and the Cincinnati Bengals. Lawrence also maintains a private lesson studio, where he teaches middle and high school students in the local area.
Lawrence lives in Lexington, KY with his wife, Emily, and their two daughters.
