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MEMBERS

Conductors
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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 presently holds 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 is currently 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.

 

Presently, Mack enjoys spending as much time as possible with Earline and their three sons

and families, and being Poppy to Owen, Kaili, Emi, Gage and Gracy.

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Spencer Hannibal-Smith, Associate Conductor

Spencer Hannibal-Smith serves as the Operations Manager and Staff Conductor for the University of Nevada, Reno Bands. He co-teaches the Nevada Concert Winds and the Wolf Pack Marching Band as well as providing logistical and administrative support for the Howlers Pep Band and the Nevada Wind Ensemble. 

 

After completing the Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education at Fresno State University, Spencer began his teaching career in Clovis, California.   As the Assistant Director of Bands at the Reagan Educational Center, he worked with a team of music educators to run an instrumental music program of over 400 high school and middle school students. Spencer taught middle school and high school jazz, concert, and marching bands while at the Reagan Center. After three successful years in Clovis, Spencer relocated to Reno, Nevada, to pursue the Master of Music degree in Wind Band Conducting. During his graduate studies, Spencer was a Graduate Teaching Assistant for the Wolf Pack Marching Band, conducted the Nevada Concert Winds and Nevada Wind Ensemble, played bass trombone in multiple ensembles, and worked part-time at GPG Music.

 

After completing his degree in 2020, Spencer continued working with GPG Music as Director of Business Operations. He managed the publication company’s daily operations, coordinated publication releases, oversaw marketing efforts, represented the company at conferences, and managed print production. During his time at GPG Music, Spencer continued to work with the Wolf Pack Marching Band as a staff member and administrator. 

 

In addition to his role with the University of Nevada Bands, Spencer is the business manager of Toccata, the Lake Tahoe Symphony Orchestra. He works closely with the Board of Directors on daily operations, concert production, and the orchestra’s nonprofit growth.

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*Member Photos by: Rick O’Neill

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