band
hardin county high school
2020-2021 band
Ben Chaney
Mr. Chaney is in his 22nd year of teaching and his 16th year as a director with the Hardin County band. During his time at Hardin County, Mr. Chaney has served as middle school and high school assistant director, Jazz Band director HCMS head director, and now as the head director of the Pride. Ben is a 1992 graduate of Hanceville High School in Alabama. He holds an Associate Degree in Music Education from Wallace State College in Hanceville, AL. He earned his Bachelor degree of Music in Music Education from the University of North Alabama. Mr. Chaney has done Master studies at VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, IL and at the University of North Alabama. He is an active professional member in WTSBOA, NAfME, Tennessee Bandmasters Association, and Professional Educators of Tennessee. Mr. Chaney is married to Tara Chaney and they have a daughter, Jasmine. She is a freshman at Mississippi State University where she is a member of the Famous Maroon And and in the choir. Mr. Chaney is a member of Oakland Baptist Church where he plays in the church orchestra with his wife.
Bruce white
Bruce White is in his sixth year as an assistant director with the Hardin County band program, joining the staff in 2015 after a successful 30 year career as a high school director in Mississippi. During his career in Mississippi Mr. White served as President of two different regional director’s associations, had numerous students selected for district, college, and all-state bands, and has had several students who have gone on to become music teachers themselves. Mr. White received his Associate of Arts degree from NW Mississippi Junior College in 1983 and his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Mississippi State University in 1985. He was also selected as the 2015 George Henry Shultz Outstanding Director by his peers in the Northeast MS Band Director’s Association.
daniel ritch
Daniel Ritch is an assistant director with Hardin County middle School and High Schoo. This is his second year on staff. Mr. Ritch is a 2008 graduate of Hamilton High School in Hamilton, AL. Mr. Ritch holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music degree from The University of Alabama and Master of Arts in Education degree from the University of North Alabama. Mr. Ritch is married to Ashton Bailey Ritch and they have two dogs and two cats. Before accepting his position at Hardin County, Mr. Ritch was the principal tubist for the Shoals Symphony Orchestra. He has also performed with the Corinth Symphony Orchestra, and as part of the Florence based tuba quartet the Principal Brass Tuba Quartet. Mr. Ritch also currently serves as the director of choices for the First United Methodist in Florence, AL.
susanna brown
Susanna Brown is in her second year as Northside Elementary’s creative dramatics teacher. She also has the privilege of working with “The Pride’s” color guard again this year. Susanna received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee at Martin in vocal music education and is in the right profession as she had a blast in her first year expressing her passion for teaching the arts. Although this year looks a little different for everyone, Susanna has made a point of spreading a positive atmosphere to her students, fellow teachers, and community. She feels that with coming together the patience and love, this can be a remarkable school year!