Biography:

Mr. Craig served as the Band Chair for KMEA District 6, as well as the President of the Northern Kentucky Band Directors Association from 2014-2016. From 2011-2013 Mr. Craig was the Jazz Chair for KMEA, which oversees all jazz activities at the KMEA conference, including the All State Jazz Ensembles. In 2007, 2011, and 2015, Mr. Craig was awarded the “Certificate of Merit for Marching Excellence” by the National Band Association.  Mr. Craig was awarded the Phi Beta Mu Outstanding Young Band Director for the state of Kentucky in February of 2014. Most recently, the Cincinnati Arts Foundation selected Mr. Craig as a finalist for the 2016 Overture Awards Outstanding Arts Educator Award.

Mr. Craig received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Northern Kentucky University and his Master’s Degree in Saxophone Performance at the College Conservatory of Music (CCM) at the University of Cincinnati. Mr. Craig has performed with the Cincinnati “Pops” Orchestra, the Kentucky Symphony, the CCM Wind Symphony and Jazz Ensemble, the Kentucky Intercollegiate Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble, the NKU Symphonic Winds and Jazz Ensemble, and numerous local professional ensembles. During his collegiate career, Mr. Craig was a featured soloist at NKU and CCM, full scholarship recipient at both NKU and CCM, and a concerto competition winner. Mr. Craig also performed and competed at the 2002 and 2006 North American Saxophone Alliance conferences.  Mr. Craig is a Northern Kentucky native, and a graduate of Scott High School in Taylor Mill.

Biography:

Mr. Jump received his Bachelor’s in Music Education from Morehead State University. While at MSU he performed with the MSU Symphony Band, the MSU Jazz Ensemble, the MSU Orchestra, and as a member of a competitive saxophone quartet.

He has served as the KMEA District 9 Jazz Chair and Middle School Choir Chair. He was also named the KMEA District 9 Middle School Teacher of the Year in 2015.

Prior to his position at Ryle High School, Mr. Jump worked as the band and choir director at Martin County Middle School in Warfield, Kentucky. During his time at MCMS, the band and choir programs grew in size and achievement, consistently scoring distinguished ratings. He is originally from Fort Thomas, Kentucky and graduated from Highlands High School.

He is thrilled to work with the fantastic students and staff at Ryle and cannot wait to meet everyone and to get started!