Bachelor of Music with a concentration in Music Education
Class of 2014
Taylor Cardwell is currently the band director at Rodney E. Thompson Middle School in Stafford County, VA.
From Taylor's principal, Michael Archambault:
"Mr. Cardwell has been a tremendous asset to our school as our band director. He's instilled a real love of music in our students, and they've achieved a high level of performance under his leadership. He also serves as a true teacher leader in our building, mentoring other educators and sharing his best practices. He's made a truly positive impact."
Interview with Taylor:
Give us a brief update on what you've been up to since graduating from JMU.
After graduation, I accepted a job teaching in Stafford County at Rodney E. Thompson Middle School and have been there ever since. I love serving my community through music education and have made many incredible friends along the way. I have also maintained a private studio of local clarinet and saxophone players. I've been married for almost three years and we just celebrated our son's first birthday.
How did JMU and the School of Music influence and shape your life?
JMU, and the School of Music in particular, shaped my life by providing many different perspectives on the values of music education that helped me to form my own educational philosophy. JMU also helped to reinforce the merit of relationships and the importance of friendships and professional relationships that I started at JMU cannot be overstated.
What are your favorite memories from your time at JMU?
There are so many! A few that come to mind are the friendships made in various ensembles and groups (the Marching Royal Dukes, Wind Symphony, Clarinet Studio, and Phi Mu Alpha in particular), serving the MRDs as a Drum Major in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and performing a wide range of music in various concerts.
Anything else you'd like to share?
I consider myself incredibly fortunate to be able to reflect on my collegiate experience and know that I would not change a single thing about it.
