Raven Regiment under new direction headed into 2024-25 school year

Benedictine College Athletic Director Charlie Gartenmayer has announced the appointment of John Wilson as the next Director of Athletic Bands for the Raven Athletic Department. In addition to Wilson, Thomas McMurray also joins the staff as the new Assistant Director of Athletic Bands. 

"We are excited to welcome John and Thomas to Benedictine College and the Raven Athletic Department," Gartenmayer said. "They each bring a wealth of experience to campus and we look forward to what they will be able to do for the Raven Regiment."

Wilson comes to Benedictine from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Mo., where he served as the Director of Instrumental Studies. While serving as the conductor for the Wind Symphony, Jazz Ensemble and the University Band, Wilson started and directed the Bearcat Marching Band beginning in the Fall of 2023. 

He earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Southwest Baptist in 1985 and earned his Master of Science in Secondary Administration from the University of Central Missouri in 2008. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. Music Education (ABD) from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. 

Prior to joining Southwest Baptist in 2021, Wilson served as the Director of Bands at Raymore-Peculiar R-II School District from 2008-2020, and Director of Bands for Raytown C-2 School District from 1998-2008.

McMurray holds undergraduate and master's degrees in Music Education and Performance from Eastern Kentucky University and the University of Kansas, where he is currently working towards a Doctorate. Since 2023 he has been a member of the applied faculty at Benedictine, teaching low brass and brass methods courses.

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