 by Julie Fisher |
Faculty
Director and Piano Instructor
Colleen Crafton, director and piano instructor, holds music performance degrees from The Catholic University of America (BM) and The Eastman School of Music (MM).
As a trombonist, she has performed with ensembles such as The Syracuse Symphony, The Rochester Philharmonic, The Baltimore Opera Orchestra, and The United States Army Field Band. She has been a featured concerto soloist with the Eastman Wind Ensemble, the Binghamton, NY Youth Symphony, and The Army Field Band.
As a pianist, organist, and choir director, Mrs. Crafton has served church programs in Maryland, Washington, DC, and New York. Her duties included directing vocal and instrumental choirs of all ages, performing at weekly services, arranging and composing music, and organizing and promoting many concert series. On piano, Mrs. Crafton has been a featured concerto soloist with the Binghamton, NY Youth Symphony.
This past year, Mrs. Crafton was the Associate Professor of Trombone at Ithaca College. She has also taught at Colgate University, Hamilton College, and has maintained a private studio for thirteen years. Mrs. Crafton began her musical studies on piano at age 4, and stresses the importance of beginning a good foundation early!
Theory Instructor
Born and raised in Mechanicsville, VA, Don Crafton, music theory instructor, began his musical studies on piano at age 7 and later switched to the trombone. He received his bachelor's degree in music education and performance from The Catholic University of America and his master's degree in orchestral performance from The Manhattan School of Music.
He has won several solo competitions and awards at the Eastern Trombone Workshop and the International Trombone Festival, and has been a featured soloist with the Hagerstown, MD Municipal Band.
Mr. Crafton has taught band, orchestra, and theory, in school systems located in Maryland, Virginia, and New York. This past year, he performed as bass trombonist with the Syracuse Symphony, and taught low brass at Hamilton College. Currently, Mr. Crafton is the High School Band Director at Central High School in King and Queen County, VA.