WCHS Big Blue Bands - Band Staff

Warren Central HS

Big Blue Bands

1000 Highway 27 South

Vicksburg, MS 39180

601.631.2864



	Welcome to the Warren Central High School Big Blue Band Staff page!


				Mr. Alan Arendale - Director of Bands & Wind Ensemble Director Alan Arendale has been the Band Director at Warren Central High School since 2000. He is responsible for all facets of the band program from recruiting students into beginner band, Junior High Bands, and High School marching and concert ensembles. Originally from Memphis, TN, Mr. Arendale attended Southaven High School, where he was Drum Major and a member of the Mississippi Lion’s All-State Band. He was Assistant Band Director in Kosciusko, Corinth, and Warren Central Junior High School before making his home in Vicksburg. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Delta State University and is a National Board Certified Teacher. Mr. Arendale is a member of Kappa Delta Pi, Phi Kappa Phi, Pi Kappa Lambda, Omicron Delta Kappa, the Mississippi Bandmaster’s Association, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. He and his wife, Melynn, enjoy singing in choir and playing hand-bells at church. They have 2 children, Aubrey and Avery.



				Mrs. Melynn Arendale - Woodwinds/ Concert Band Director BIO coming soon!



				Mr. Chad Austin - Percussion/Symphonic Band Director Chad Austin is in his 7th year as assistant band director at Warren Central High School. His duties include teaching percussion grades 7-12 and directing the high school Symphonic Band. Mr. Austin received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Mississippi State University in May, 2003. While at Mississippi State, he performed with the Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, and The Famous Maroon Band. Under his direction, the marching percussion at Warren Central has earned consistent superior ratings and numerous high percussion awards. In 2008, Mr. Austin started the school’s first indoor percussion ensemble. The group has gone on to earn the Mississippi Indoor Association bronze medal and silver medal in scholastic “A” in 2009 and 2010, respectively. In 2011 the indoor percussion ensemble claimed the Mississippi Indoor Association Championship in scholastic “A”. Also under his direction, the Concert and Symphonic Bands have earned superior ratings at state and local festivals. In 2007 and 2008, Chad served as percussion coordinator and conductor for the Mississippi All-State Concert Band Percussion Ensemble. In 2009, he served as the percussion instructor for the Mississippi Lions All-State Band. Mr. Austin is a member of the Mississippi Bandmasters Association, Percussive Arts Society, and currently serves as Vice President of The Capital District Band Directors Association. He also serves as an educator artist for Yamaha and Innovative Percussion. A native of Forest, Mississippi, he currently resides in Brandon with his wife Renee’.



				Mr. Andrew Bonner - Brass Instructor/Concert Band Director Mr. Bonner is currently in his 5th year as assistant director at Warren Central High School. He is the director of the Concert Band and teaches brass at both the junior high and high school. Mr. Bonner is a native of Tupelo, Mississippi. He graduated high school at Alcorn Central located in Glen, Mississippi. His collegiate career began at Northeast Mississippi Community College where he was a member of the “Show Band from Tiger Land,” Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, and the Chamber Choir. Mr. Bonner continued his education at The University of Mississippi where he received his bachelor’s degree. While at Ole Miss, Mr. Bonner was a member of several bands and ensembles, including UM Wind Ensemble, the Mississippians Jazz Ensemble, The Pride of the South Marching Band, and the Rebel Rebound Sound Basketball Pep Band. Under his direction, the eighth grade band has consistently earned superior ratings at festival in both concert and sight reading . Mr. Bonner is also the director of the Warren Central High School Jazz Ensemble. He is a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity, Music Educators National Conference, and the Mississippi Bandmasters Association.



				Mr. Jace McMullin- 8th Grade Band Director/Color Guard Instructor BIO coming soon!