A North Carolina native, Mack Garner received his undergraduate degree in Music Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. At UNCG, Mack was an active member of the University Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, TubaBand, and many chamber ensembles.

Mack finished his fourth and final season of drum corps in 2016. He is an alumnus of the Jersey Surf Drum and Bugle Corps (2013), the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps (2014), and the Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps (2015-16). Mack is also an alumnus of WGI Independent Open Class Finalist - Legacy presented by Carolina Gold (2017-2018), a winter guard based out of Raleigh, NC.

As a marching arts instructor, Mack has taught many outdoor performance ensembles. Previously, he has taught with the Carolina Gold Drum and Bugle Corps (2017, 2018, and 2020), the Colt Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps (2018), the Legends Drum and Bugle Corps (2019), and the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps (2020 - present).

Mack finished his student teaching at Cleveland High School in Clayton, NC. During his time at Cleveland, Mack served as the brass educator for the Cleveland Arts Performance Ensemble Winter Winds, which took the WGI World Class Championship title in 2019.

As a licensed educator in NC, Mack has previously served as the band director at Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School; the Band & Orchestra Director at East Wake High School; and as the Assistant Band Director at Smithfield-Selma High School.

Currently, Mack is taking a break from band directing to pursue a Masters Degree in Curriculum & Instruction from Western Governor’s University. He primarily serves as a brass & visual instructor at Cleveland High School (2024 WGI Winds World Class Silver Medalist) and as the Director of the Cleveland Arts Middle School Guard. He is also a brass & visual staff member at Eva Independent Winds the 2024 WGI Winds Open Class Champions.

Mack is a champion for education and has worked with all ages of youth from a wide variety of backgrounds and skill levels through internships, practicum, clinics, professional teaching, and Drum Corps International. His professional affiliations include: The National Association for Music Education, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America, The American String Teachers Association, the International Tuba Euphonium Association, The North American Brass Band Association, and the Professional Organization for North Carolina Educators (PENC).

Educational Philosophy

To develop lifelong skills in young musicians through education, performance, and experience in the performing arts.

“I am a firm believer that the arts should be a fundamental part of every student’s education. Exposure and involvement in the arts can increase test scores and social skills, but more importantly, arts education provides students with skills that are applicable to all aspects of life.”

Professional and Field Experience

Band Director丨Smithfield-Selma High School丨August 2022 - June 2023丨

Band & Orchestra Director丨East Wake High School丨August 2020 - July 2022丨

Band Director丨Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School丨April 2019 - July 2020)丨

Student Teacher丨Cleveland High School丨Fall 2018 (Instructor Spring 2019)

Tuba Instructor丨Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps (Summer 2020 - Present)丨Legends Drum and Bugle Corps (Summer 2019)丨Colt Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps (Summer 2018)丨Carolina Gold Drum and Bugle Corps (Summers 2017, 2018, 2020)

“As an educator, I have worked with all ages of youth from a wide variety of backgrounds and skill levels through internships, practicum, clinics, professional teaching, and Drum Corps International. This background has equipped me with a desire to motivate young people in an educational environment, but more importantly, provide students with inclusive and equitable instruction and skills that are applicable to all aspects of life.”

Technical Proficiency

SmartMusic Music Learning, Sibelius Notation Software, MuseScore Notation Software, Sight Reading Factory, Pyware 3D Drill Design, GarageBand, Audacity, iMovie, Logic Pro X, Final Cut Pro, G Suite Applications, Microsoft Office Suites, Squarespace, and more!

“In the digital age, innovative use of technology promotes student growth and creativity. I am always looking for ways to incorporate technology in the classroom, because I believe that effective use fosters student interest in their education.”