Chloe Jones
Contributing Writer
The assistant director of bands at Murray State is preparing to retire after 25 years of teaching at the University.
John Fannin started his teaching career at Murray State in 1995. Before coming to Murray State, he taught at high schools throughout New Mexico and Arizona.
In addition to his teaching career, he owns a music production business where he and his team put together high school marching band shows and distribute them to various high schools across the United States. He also works as a guest conductor and an active band clinician in and outside the United States.
Fannin assists with multiple programs in the music department such as Symphonic Band, Pep Band, Racer Band and other instrumental music education classes.
“As I wrap up my teaching career, I’m hoping that I’ve impacted future teachers through my classes and taught them to be good band directors and caring humans,” Fannin said.
Fannin has received numerous awards for teaching in Kentucky. He has helped grow many programs in the University music department. In his first year of teaching, the Racer Band only had 85 members. Now during his final year of teaching, there are 235 members on the field.
Fannin has organized some big events to commemorate his last year those events include Racer Band Day and Alumni Day. The Racer Band invited high school student who wanted to be a part of the band to join them on Oct. 29 to perform two tunes from the halftime show, as well as participate in other fun activities throughout the day.
Fannin has invited Racer Band alumni from his years of teaching to come play the fight song as well as the iconic opening tune “2001” with him one last time on Nov. 16.
As he wraps up his career, Fannin has started to reflect on his many years working for the University. He hopes the music department continues to grow and develop with the help of the students, faculty and staff at Murray State.
“Some highlights are certainly Festival of Champions every year, certainly this year was a stunning year,” Fannin said.
He works very closely with his students to ensure that everything runs smoothly for the various music programs on campus. He entrusts a leadership team
to help communicate with the other students of Racer Band. “He is full of this life and excitement that he has poured into everything he has been involved in on campus, not only that, he has shared his passion and knowledge with 25 years of students whose lives have been changed,” Austen Shelton, Racer Band member and trumpet section leader, said.
Fannin’s final year is sure to be filled with many important lasts. He has left a large impact on the students, faculty and staff he has met in his time at Murray State.