 Dr. Chris Neal
Band Director
Years
at McMurry: 4
Education:
Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting from University of
Oklahoma
Master of Music in
Conducting from The University of Texas at Austin
Bachelor of Music Education
from University of Oklahoma
Chris Neal’s voice can be heard booming across the football field
at noon everyday in the fall. No, he’s not a football coach—he’s
the director of the McMurry marching band.
Over and over again, the band and colorguard repeat the last
position change. “Again!” he speaks into his microphone, striving
for excellence. But many think he may have already achieved
it.
It’s that very demand for excellence combined with an engaging
personality that is responsible for the band’s increasing success
in the past few years. Since Dr. Neal’s debut at McMurry in 2003,
the band has doubled in size—and tripled in spirit.
But the increase in size is not what impresses Neal. “Not only is
the Band growing, but it is improving. My desire is not simply to
have a big band that plays well. I want the Band program to be one
part of a thriving arts community at McMurry. I believe this will
make everyone's experience here stronger, whether they are in Band
or not. There is definitely a method to my madness, and while the
Marching Band was an initial means of generating excitement about
the program, it is only a small part of what we do. Our students
give wonderful, artistic performances throughout the year, but we
have miles to go in terms of making these performances a part of
the CULTURE here at McMurry. It's about quality of performances;
it's about public relations; and it's about educating the McMurry
community about all wonderful artistic experiences we bring to the
table. If we can do all that while still having a really hot
Marching Band, we will have achieved a great deal,” said
Neal.
Always armed with plenty of ammunition, Dr. Neal can brag on the
hard-working members of his band at a moment’s notice. “See her?”
he says and points, “She spent the summer in Pennsylvania and
marched in a band that won the national championship. And him?...”
he continues, and the list goes on and on. Performances at the
Texas State Marching Championships and the Texas State Capitol,
concert tours with the Symphonic Band, an upcoming $2.35 million
renovation of the Bynum Band Hall—the McMurry Band has a very
promising future.
The choice to join the McMurry faculty was an easy one for Dr.
Neal. “I came to McMurry because I was impressed with the quality
of the people,” he said. “When I interviewed, I found the faculty
to be energetic, talented, and kind. The administrators seemed
supportive and approachable. The students were interested in new
ideas and demonstrated a genuine desire to improve. All of these
initial impressions have proven to be correct, now that I have
gotten to know everyone around here.”
“What makes McMurry unique is the personal attention our students
receive. The faculty really know who the students are and truly
care about what happens to them. I think most faculty everywhere
have a fundamental desire to see their students succeed, but the
student-centeredness at McMurry is cultural,” said Neal. And anyone
who takes his class, works beside him, or sees him around campus
can see that Dr. Neal is a perfect example. In fact, he was awarded
a McMurry Pacesetter Award in 2005 for leadership in the areas of
Recruiting and Institutional Advancement.
The hard work continues as the band prepares for its Homecoming
show. Come watch Dr. Neal and his band perform at Indian Stadium on
Saturday, October 14, at 2:00 p.m.
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