The Midwest Clinic
Contact Information
rcrain34@comcast.net
Mr. Richard C. Crain recently completed a tenure as Director of Instrumental Studies at Houston Baptist University and serves as the Orchestra Director at Spring Baptist Church. He previously spent 21 years as Director of Music for the Spring Independent School District near Houston, Texas. He also served as Head Band Director at Westfield High School, Spring High School, and Belton High School. His bands performed at The Midwest Clinic (1980) and in the Tournament of Roses Parade (1974) and won honors in concert and marching contests in Texas, Louisiana, Virginia, and Colorado. In 2000, Crain retired from public school music education after 44 years of service. He is a frequent adjudicator, clinician, and consultant throughout the US; and he has been a presenter for numerous university summer band camps, music education classes, and state music conventions throughout the US and Canada.
Crain has served on The Midwest Clinic Board of Directors since 1992 and was a Vice President from 2004 until late 2009. His numerous professional activities include serving as the Festival Coordinator for the National Concert Band Festival (1991-2008), a Region Chairman and Band Chairman for the Texas Music Educators Association, and International Executive Secretary of Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity (1977-2008). While living in Houston, Crain was director of the Houston Police Department Band for one year and one of the directors of the Summer Olympics Band that performed at the 1987 opening ceremonies. He is Past President of the Texas Bandmasters Association (TBA), the Alpha Chapter of Phi Beta Mu, and the Texas Music Adjudicators Association. Along with his wife Gayle, he served as the Executive Secretary for the University Interscholastic League Region IX band, choir, and orchestra contests for over 11 years. He and Gayle were inducted into the Bands of America Hall of Fame in 2005. Crain is a member of the American Bandmasters Association and is a co-author of Band Expressions, Books I and II (Alfred Publications).
Crain’s many honors include The Midwest Clinic Medal of Honor (2007), Phi Beta Mu International’s Outstanding Contribution to Bands Award (2009), TBA’s Music Administrator Lifetime Achievement Award (2006), Texas Bandmaster of the Year (1994), and the Texas Bandmaster Hall of Fame sponsored by Phi Beta Mu (2002). The Richard C. Crain Fine Arts Building at Spring High School was dedicated in 2000.
The Crains live in The Woodlands, Texas, and their three sons, successful businessmen in nearby Houston, are Scott, with wife Jennifer and children Lauren, Emily, and Joshua; Chris, with wife Melissa and children Jacob and Caroline; and Steven.
Crain is very grateful for the many opportunities he has received during his career and considers serving on The Midwest Clinic Board of Directors as President to be the greatest honor he has received. “I am very excited about the future of The Midwest Clinic and look forward to serving the mission of this great event.”