Gary Rhoden, PhD

“Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make man a more clever devil.” —C.S. Lewis

• Teaching & Education

  Degrees

  • BM, Music Education, Furman University
  • MA, School Leadership and Administration, Furman University
  • PhD, Educational Leadership, Clemson University
• Professional Experience

  My experience includes teaching at James F. Byrnes High School and Boiling Springs High School.

• Selected Awards Received
  • Two-time SCBDA 5A State Marching Band Champion
  • Nine-time SCBDA 5A Upper State Marching Band Champion
  • Four-time Bands of America Grand National Semi-Finalist
  • Three-time Bands of America Regional Class Champion
• My Story

  I have wanted to be an educator from the time I was in high school. My band classes inspired me to help students have an amazing experience in music similar to my own. I believe band is an activity that teaches students far more than how to play music. Band is an experience that I will forever remember, and I want my students share this experience with me.

  I taught in public education for nine years before transitioning to the collegiate level. Most recently, I taught at James F. Byrnes High. My nine years in public education were incredible. I share so many amazing memories with my students. Any time I reconnect with a former student, we have such a great time recounting our band experiences together.

  In early 2020, I felt the Lord calling me to apply for my position at NGU. I felt it was a chance for me to not only advance my career but to help students in both their music and their faith. My goal at NGU is to provide experiences and form memories with students that they will remember forever. I want students to look back on their time at NGU and fondly remember their friends, the performances, and their experiences in our band program. Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, and Basketball Pep band were my favorite experiences in my undergraduate journey. I hope to provide the same for our students at NGU. Along with directing the athletic bands, I am also an instructor of music education.

  Favorite Course to Teach:

  Secondary Methods and Management in Music Education. This course is typically taken just before our senior music education majors begin their student teaching. This course helps students discover what it is truly like to be in a classroom and what it is like being a professional in education. I love teaching this course because I truly enjoy helping individuals become successful educators. Teaching future teachers is both a joy and a privilege.

• Related Links

  Explore more resources related to this field of study:

  • South Carolina Band Directors Association