Teacher Bio

Barry Dean Bridwell is a native of Spartanburg County and attended schools in Spartanburg School District Five when he was growing up. He holds degrees in percussion performance from the University of South Carolina (B.M., M.M.) and the University of North Texas (D.M.A.).

Dr. Bridwell is an accomplished performer, composer, and author. While in college he was the winner of the winds/percussion category of the USC Concerto-Aria Competition, and runner-up in the national finals of the Music Teachers National Association Collegiate Artists Auditions. In 1984 he won second place in the Percussive Arts Society Composition Contest, and in 1992 he earned an honorable mention in the same competition. In all, he has written nearly 400 arrangements for marching band, marching percussion, and percussion ensemble, and his works have been performed throughout the United States. He has also written articles for The Instrumentalist and Percussive Notes, and he is the co-author of several church dramas.

Dr. Bridwell came to Landrum High School in 1992 as the Assistant Director of Bands under John Holloway, and became the Director of Bands in 1995. He previously held teaching positions at the University of South Carolina, Lander College, University of North Texas, and Spartanburg School District Five.

Dr. Bridwell is married to the former Karen Denise Burnett. The couple lives in the Reidville area of Spartanburg County with their three amazing children—Keiko, Zane, and Kalika. Their family is actively involved in Poplar Springs Baptist Church, where Dr. Bridwell is a deacon, musician, and serves on various committees.