Conductors
Ronald J. Evans , founder and conductor of the Northwinds Symphonic Band, was born and raised in Ben Hill and Irwin Counties (GA). Upon graduation from Irwin County High School in 1958 he attended the University of Georgia on a music scholarship where he received the Bachelor of Music degree. Mr. Evans also holds a Master of Music degree from Vandercook College in Chicago, Illinois and a Six-Year Specialist degree from Troy State University in Troy, Alabama. At Troy State he studied conducting with Dr. William D. Revelli, formerly of the University of Michigan.
Mr. Evans’ teaching experience includes twenty-three years with the Hall County School System, where he developed outstanding band and choral programs. His South Hall and Johnson High School bands traveled extensively playing concerts and parades in Atlanta, Washington, D.C., New York City, Pittsburgh, and Mexico City, Mexico.
Mr. Evans holds membership in the Music Educators National Conference, Georgia Music Educators Association and Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters fraternity. He has been awarded the "Citation of Excellence" twice, once in Pittsburgh, Pa. and again at Troy State University. He also received a special citation from the John Philip Sousa Foundation in recognition of his efforts promoting concert bands in America. In 1998, the Georgia Music Educators Association awarded him its coveted "Distinguished Career Award."
In addition to his career in Hall County, he has served as band director of Gainesville High School and Shiloh High School in Gwinnett County. In 2002 - 2004 he served on the Vestry of Grace Episcopal Church, and is currently on the Boards of Directors for the Gainesville Arts Council, and the Gainesville Kiwanis Club.
Upon his retirement in 1997, Mr. Evans responded to the encouragement of many to reorganize the Wind Symphony, and he formed The Northwinds Symphonic Adult Band. Today’s Band has a membership of skilled musicians who volunteer their time and energy to bring the performance of live symphonic band music to the Gainesville, Georgia community.
Mercer Crook ,associate conductor, is a native of Northeast Georgia. He was born and raised in Winder, Georgia, was graduated from Winder-Barrow High School, received his Bachelor of Music and Master of Fine Arts Degrees in Woodwind Performance from the University of Georgia, and taught at Toccoa High School for one year, before beginning a distinguished 31 year tenure at East Hall High School.
Under Mr. Crook's leadership, the East Hall High School Bands performed in the Tournament of Roses Parade, two Cotton Bowl Parades, two Orange Bowl Parades, two Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parades, four National Cherry Blossom Festival Parades, four Macy's Atlanta Christmas Parades, two Gatlinburg Christmas Parades, and the Outback Bowl Parade.
Mr. Crook’s Symphonic Bands were selected to perform for both the Georgia Music Educators Association In service Conference and the University of Georgia January Music Festival. His bands received superior ratings over 90% of Mr. Crook's 31 years at the school.
Mr. Crook currently serves as principal oboist with the Gainesville Symphony Orchestra, and as principal oboist and associate conductor of the Northwinds Symphonic Band. He performs with several ensembles and chamber groups throughout northeast Georgia and the Atlanta area. He also serves as an adjunct member of the faculty at Gainesville College, where he conducts the Symphonic Band and directs the woodwind studio, and continues to serve as adjudicator and clinician throughout Georgia.
Mr. Crook is a member of Music Educators National Conference, Georgia Music Educators Association, Phi Beta Mu, and has been inducted into the John Philip Sousa Legion of Honor. Mr. Crook was selected teacher of the year at East Hall High School three times, and was names Star Teacher in 1996.
