INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF

Andrew Parsons, Director of Bands

Andrew Parsons is the Director of Bands for Meadowcreek High School. A native of Duluth, Georgia, Mr. Parsons completed his Bachelors in Music Education at Georgia State University where he was selected for the Presidential Scholarship in the school of music. He studied music education under Dr. Marion Etzel, Dr. Butch Marshall, and Dr. Patrick Freer. While at Meadowcreek, Mr. Parsons has led the band program to achieve superior ratings in festivals and competitions, increased the size and retention of all bands, and fostered a culture of excellence and achievement in the wonderful band students who are under his care. Prior to teaching at Meadowcreek, Mr. Parsons has taught in schools all over Georgia. From the rural small communities to the bustling urban and suburban sprawls, Mr. Parsons has led successful music programs in every variety of cultural diversity Georgia has to offer. In December of 2018, Mr. Parsons presented a session on successful teaching in Title 1 schools at the Midwest National Band and Orchestra Conference. Prior to that he presented the same session in the state GMEA conference.

Mr. Parsons currently resides in Duluth, Ga. with his wife Grace Parsons, his daughter Lily Parsons, his son James Parsons, and his dog.


Craig Gendreau, Percussion Instructor

Hello,

My name is Craig Gendreau. I've been teaching for 21 years. I began playing the guitar when I was 10 years old, and started playing the drums when I entered high school. I graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 1999 with a major in Music Education, and minors in Philosophy and Percussion Performance. I have performed as a studio musician on multiple projects and have toured with 2 different bands. I have worked on music that has been featured in film. I have been editing and producing music for over 15 years.

Marcus Budner, Associate Director of Bands

Bio coming soon!

Elizabeth Clackum, Colorguard Instructor

Elizabeth has been with the band for six years as the Color Guard instructor. She has led our superior-scoring Color Guard to competitions across the state! She has also organized a Winter Guard while being with us! Prior to her work with Meadowcreek, she was captain of her guard for two years and contracted to perform with the Carolina Crown and UGA's flag line, ultimately choosing to work with us instead! She also studied ballet, jazz, contemporary, and many other styles of dance for 13 years and was part of a company for six years studying under Wade Walthall and Whitney Sue Snuggs. Elizabeth Graduated from Central Gwinnett High School and is a Gwinnett County native. She recently received her B.S. in Exercise Science with a Clinical concentration and a minor in Sociology from Georgia Gwinnett College. She is actively pursuing a Doctorate Program while working with us.