As Christian County moves closer to the opening of the new consolidated Christian County High School in August 2026, another key piece of its future has fallen into place. On Friday, Executive Principal Ken Carver announced that Anthony Darnall will serve as the inaugural Band Director for the Christian County Tigers Band, bringing together the proud traditions of Hopkinsville High School and Christian County High School under one unified program.
Darnall, who currently leads the Christian County High School band and serves as the district’s Director of Fine Arts, has long been recognized as a transformational leader in music education. Principal Carver shared that Darnall’s track record — including guiding CCHS to a KMEA State Championship — reflects the vision and excellence the district hopes to carry into the new era.
For more than a decade, Darnall has been at the heart of the Christian County band community. During his 11 years at CCHS, he helped triple the program’s enrollment while consistently earning Distinguished Ratings at assessment events. His leadership has propelled the band onto some of the region’s biggest stages, including five appearances in the KMEA Class 4A State Finals, earning the title of 2025 KMEA Class 4A State Marching Band Champion, and being named a 2025 Bands of America Regional Finalist.
A native of Mayfield, KY, Darnall holds a music education degree from Murray State University and a Master’s in Trombone Performance from the University of Alabama. Along with his extensive teaching experience, he is an accomplished trombonist who has performed with symphonies across the region, served as an adjudicator and clinician, and taught at the collegiate level. His commitment to excellence has inspired countless students to pursue honors such as All-State Band and the Governor’s School for the Arts — and has earned him recognitions including KMEA Third District High School Teacher of the Year and Phi Beta Mu Outstanding Young Band Director for Kentucky.
As the new Christian County High School prepares to unite students from across the district, Darnall expressed his excitement for the opportunity to merge two powerful musical traditions into one future-focused program. He emphasized his commitment to developing excellence in marching band, concert band, jazz, percussion, and winter guard, while also creating the sense of family, purpose, and shared experience that defines a great band culture.
Darnall resides in Hopkinsville with his wife, Kirstie, and their children, Kennedy Ray and Jace Ryan, and noted his deep gratitude for the support system that has strengthened his journey — from his mentors and colleagues to the students who inspire him daily.
The new Christian County Tigers Band is poised to become one of the most exciting programs in the region, and under Darnall’s leadership, the district looks toward a bright, unified, and resonant future.
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