Mark Laird--Band Director

St. Michael is pleased to announce it has hired Mr. Mark Laird to be the school’s second Director of Bands, replacing Mr. David Pryor, who resigned earlier this month. Mr. Laird has thirty-eight years experience as a band director in Mississippi, where he is well known and respected by those in the music community. He will begin at St. Michael on Monday, October 21. He’ll start each day at the elementary schools, same schedule as before, and end his day with the high school students. 

“We’re blessed to be able to hire someone of Mr. Laird’s stature and experience,” comments Faustin Weber, principal. “God’s hand was in this. Mr. Laird retired less than a year ago but was already bored, itching to get back into it, and when he heard of our opening, he sent me his resume, which is impressive. We interviewed early last week, and I’ve spent the time since talking to his references—professors of music, other band directors,  and his pastor—all of whom speak highly of his musicianship, his relationship-building with students, and the authenticity of his faith."

Weber explains the goals of the program going forward: "I've asked him to focus on four things as he settles in: First, to continue to create an excellent symphonic band, which competes at the highest level at district competitions in the spring. Second, to build up our pep band program, so as to bring fun and excitement to school events and various community functions. Third, to work with middle school students at our three elementary Catholic schools in Baldwin County, helping them build competency in their instruments, and fourth, to work individually with our most talented students, to support their success in all-state competitions and to compete for music scholarships, if that's their desire.  Not only do I think he'll do these things well, I believe he'll exude a love and joy for music that will be infectious for our students. I am excited for them. "

Mr. Weber continued: “I also want to use this occasion to thank Mrs. Kilgore and our band students. Mrs. Kilgore is our choral director, and has been ‘filling in’ as band director for the last two weeks during her “free” periods. She's been really generous, and our students have been supportive. I know our students are ready to have their own band director again, and I’m happy to say they will,  come Monday!” 

Mr. Laird earned a Bachelor’s in Music Education from the University of Southern Mississippi, specializing in woodwinds, with an emphasis on saxophone, then later returned to USM and achieved a Master’s degree in Music Education, specializing in brass, with an emphasis on the euphonium. He’s led several high school band programs over the course of his career, most recently at West Jones High School (9 years), Pascagoula High School (3 years) and Sumrall High School (10 years). He was selected as Concert Band Director for the Mississippi Lion’s All State Band in 2019 and as Assistant Band Director in 2018. At West Jones High School, his most recent assignment, he took a struggling program with just over 30 students and built the program to 90+, helping them achieve the school's first ever “Superior” rating at the State Band competition. He’s also served in numerous leadership roles in Mississippi band director associations and has been active in multiple other music organizations. Laird has presented clinics for the Southeast, Midwest and American School Band Director's Associations over the last five years, in a variety of states.  For thirteen years, he played  saxophone and trombone as a member of the city of Hattiesburg’s Concert Band. For eighteen years, he and his wife Sharon, also an accomplished band director, sponsored “Adventures in Music,”  a summer program to advance competency and love for music with children in Mississippi. To read more on his career, you may view his resume here. 

“I am excited about the opportunity of joining the faculty at St. Michael as its band director,” Laird says.  “I have always had a passion for teaching students the enjoyment, beauty, and wonder of music. As stated by Plato, “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” As a teacher, my goal has never been primarily to create professional musicians or music educators;  rather it's been to instill in my students a love of music, in hopes that they will continue to include music as a part of their lives as adults.”

Mr. Laird, 61, is married to his wife of 34 years, Sharon. She, too, is an experienced band director. They have one adult son, Brandon, and currently worship at First Baptist Church in Terry, MS.