Katie Krell
news@greenepublishing.com
Chuck Edwards is starting his third year as the Band Director at Madison County Central School (MCCS).
Edwards was first introduced to the world of music at a young age when he went to Vacation Bible School at his church. His Youth Pastor, O.L. Jarvis, taught him basic musical notation. Even after Jarvis was called to another church, Edwards kept learning. “I had been bitten by the bug so to speak, and I continued to pour myself into music,” Edwards said. He joined the church's youth choir and traveling singing team and later went on to study music in college.
Edwards has been teaching for 30 years after graduating with honors from The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville, Fla., formerly known as the Florida Baptist Theological College. He graduated with honors and earned a Bachelor's of Arts Degree in Music.
Although he is not proficient in any instrument, he played the trumpet in high school. He focused mainly on conducting, composing and vocals. He commented, “I love the ease in which melodies can be created. From the finite resources of music we are still creating new ways to create music. It's nearly infinite in its possibilities. How could anyone not fall in love with something as diverse as music?”
Edwards first came to Madison in January of 2018 after getting a job as the Music Minister at First Baptist Church of Madison. Along with that he is also currently teaching three different band courses to sixth through eighth graders at MCCS, including beginning, concert and jazz bands. Edwards says that his favorite thing about teaching music is seeing a student's face light up when they reach a new level in band.
Edwards has been married to his wife, Nora Edwards, for 34 years. They have four children: Trey, Eric, Kevin and Kelli, and four grandchildren: Asher, Zayne, Alaina and Galaxy.