Christian County Public Schools has named veteran music educator Anthony Darnall as the Band Director for the new Christian County High School.
He currently serves as lead band director at Christian County High and as the district’s Director of Fine Arts, roles he has held while building one of western Kentucky’s most successful high-school music programs.
Tigers Principal Ken Carver said Darnall’s track record made him the obvious choice to lead the consolidated band, noting his leadership, his ability to motivate students and staff, and the program’s state championship under his direction. He said those strengths will be essential as the district brings together the band traditions of Christian County High and Hopkinsville High.
A Mayfield native, Darnall has led the Christian County High School band program for 11 years. During that time, enrollment tripled and the program consistently earned Distinguished Ratings at assessment events. The CCHS band appeared five times as a KMEA Class 4A State Finalist and captured the 2025 KMEA Class 4A State Marching Band Championship. It was also selected as a 2025 Bands of America Regional Finalist.
Darnall holds a degree in music education from Murray State University and a master’s degree in trombone performance from the University of Alabama.
As a performer, he has appeared with multiple symphonies and ensembles, and he has worked as an adjudicator, clinician, and adjunct professor. His students have frequently earned All-State honors, Governor’s School for the Arts selections, and other top achievements. His professional recognitions include KMEA Third District High School Teacher of the Year and Phi Beta Mu Outstanding Young Band Director for Kentucky.
Darnall said being selected as the first director of the consolidated Christian County Tigers Band is a major honor. He said the goal is to unite two long-standing traditions of excellence and build a program that excels in every area—from marching and concert band to jazz, percussion, and winter guard. He also expressed gratitude to district leadership, mentors, staff, students, and his family for their support.
Darnall lives in Hopkinsville with his wife, Kirstie, and their two children.
Christian County Public Schools introduced Darnall during a press conference Friday morning.
