In Memoriam
A. G. “Mack” McGrannahan III
A G. “Mack” McGrannahan III served on the music faculty of the University of Nevada, Reno from 1975 to 2014. He assumed the position of Director of Bands in 1979. During
his 39-year teaching career he conducted the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Campus Band, Brass Choir and Trombone Choir.
He taught applied trombone, euphonium and tuba, as well as courses in conducting and secondary instrumental methods. In addition, he was director of the Lake Tahoe Music Camp, one of the most popular summer music camps on the west coast for 30 years. He also held the rank of Director of Bands/Professor of Music Emeritus. During his career, he conducted major Regional, All-State, and Intercollegiate bands in over 25 states.
Mack was the bass trombonist in the house band at Harrah’s Reno Hotel/Casino, playing for guest entertainers including Tony Bennett, Sammy Davis, Jr., Debbie Reynolds, Henry Mancini, Don Rickles, Paul Anka, Rich Little, Loretta Lynn and many others.
A native of Lexington, Kentucky, Dr. McGrannahan received the Bachelor of Music Education degree from Murray State University. He also received the Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in trombone performance and conducting from the University of North Texas.
He was the Conductor and Artistic Advisor for the Reno Wind Symphony, an adult community band, which he organized and founded in 2006. He was the Conductor and Program Director for the Reno Municipal Band, sponsored by the City of Reno.
In 2008, Dr. McGrannahan was elected to membership in the prestigious American Bandmasters Association. In 2012 he was recognized as a Signature Sinfonian by Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, men’s music fraternity, for outstanding commitment and dedication to Music Performance and Education.
Mack received the Lifetime Achievement Award for Service in Music Education from the Nevada Music Educators Association in April 2014. Last year he was inducted into the Hall of Distinction at Bryan Station High School in Lexington, Kentucky, his high school alma mater. All recipients of the Hall of Distinction have plaques honoring them mounted in the hall leading to the main office.
His exceptional leadership, artistry, and dedication shaped our musical community. Mack inspired generations of musicians and elevated every performance he touched. His enduring legacy will continue to resonate through our work.
Glenn Parrish
Glenn Parrish was born April 11, 1938 in Atlanta, Georgia and died in 2021.
He started playing trombone in the 8th grade at Hoke Smith High School. After graduating a month after his 17th birthday, he applied and was accepted into the Navy School of Music, and served four years on ships and duty stations in the U.S., Europe and Japan. He then interned and trained as an Anesthesiologist at Portsmouth and Bethesda Naval Hospitals.
After the Navy, he worked as a Federal Correctional Officer at the Atlanta Federal Penitentiary for a year and then spent the next three years at Georgia Tech and Georgia State before being accepted as a medical student at the Medical College Of Georgia for the next four years.
After practicing in North Carolina for 13 years after naval service, he and his wife moved to Reno. After she died unexpectedly, he was persuaded to buy a "Hock Shop" trombone after selling his more than 50 years earlier to help pay for his education.
He said that music saved his life and the Reno Wind Symphony was a big part of that.