Dr. A.G. "Mack" McGrannahan III
Dr. A.G. "Mack" McGrannahan III has served on the music faculty of the University of Nevada since 1975, and assumed the position of Director of Bands in 1979. In 1980 he was given the responsibility of reorganizing the Wolf Pack Marching Band which had not been in existence since 1969.
A native of Lexington, Kentucky, Dr. McGrannahan received the Bachelor of Music Education degree from Murray State University, and the Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in trombone performance and conducting from the University of North Texas. As Director of Bands his responsibilities include conducting the Wind Ensemble and administering the entire band program. Dr. McGrannahan instructs trombone, euphonium and tuba students at the University. In addition, he teaches courses in conducting and secondary instrumental methods.
During his tenure as Director of Bands at the University of Nevada, the band program has more than doubled in size, and the quality has matured to a level of musical excellence comparable to other colleges and universities. The University of Nevada Wind Ensemble, under Dr. McGrannahan's direction, has appeared on numerous occasions at music conferences and conventions throughout the western states, and is a frequent attraction at the Nevada Music Educators state convention.
Dr. McGrannahan has been the director of the Lake Tahoe Music Camp, one of the most popular summer music camps on the west coast for the past twenty-four years. He has played professionally in several show bands in the Reno/Lake Tahoe area, performing with Sammy Davis Jr., Tony Bennett, Natalie Cole, Ben Vereen, Neil Sedaka, Henry Mancini, Jack Jones, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Debbie Reynolds, and others. He is currently the Principal Trombonist in the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra, and performs with the Great Basin Brass Quintet.
Active as an adjudicator and guest conductor throughout Nevada as well as other states, Dr. McGrannahan is a Past President of the Nevada Music Educators Association and the Western Division of the College Band Directors National Association. In addition, he holds membership in Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Pi Kappa Lambda, National Band Association, Music Educators National Conference, and the International Trombone Association. "Dr. Mack" is the Faculty Advisor for the Xi Delta Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and serves as a Province Governor for that fraternity.
