Meet the Director

Garry Taylor retired after a 31-year career as a band director, spending the majority of his tenure at Cullman High School in Cullman, Alabama, where he built a reputation for musical excellence and student-centered leadership. He earned his bachelor’s degree in music education from Auburn University and later completed his master’s degree and A.A. Certificate at the University of North Alabama. Throughout his career, Taylor has been an active leader in music education, serving as Vice-President and President of the Alabama Chapter of the International Association of Jazz Educators and holding numerous leadership roles in the Alabama Bandmasters Association, including District III Chairman, Recording Secretary, Vice President, and President. His contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including two National Band Association Citations of Excellence, the AMEA Barbara Odom Distinguished Service Award, induction into the Phi Beta Mu Alabama Bandmasters Hall of Fame (2015), and the Alabama Music Educators Association Hall of Fame (2023). Taylor served as Executive Director of the Alabama Music Educators Association from 2005 to 2022 and currently serves as editor of Ala Breve, AMEA’s official publication. He is proud to serve as the musical director of the Cullman Community Band.