Hal Murphy

Hal Murphy recently retired after 32 years as an educator. He holds BS and MA degrees from Troy University, and certification in Educational Leadership from Jacksonville State University. A native of Gilbertown, AL, and a graduate of Southern Choctaw High School, Hal served as band director at Southside High School and Rainbow Middle School in Gadsden, AL, teaching all band classes for grades 6-12. Mr. Murphy held that position for 20 years before becoming the Assistant Principal at Southside HS. In 2012, Hal was named Director of Technology and Fine Arts Supervisor for Etowah County Schools, a system with 21 schools and 8500 students.

During his tenure as band director, the SHS bands performed across the nation, being selected to perform at events such as The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade in Washington DC, The Fiesta Bowl Parade in Phoenix, AZ, The Fiesta Flambeau Parade in San Antonio, TX, as well as performances in Chicago, IL, Virginia Beach, VA, Gatlinburg, TN, and Orlando, FL. The SHS Symphonic Band earned 20 consecutive superior ratings at concert assessment, and was a featured performer at both the Southeastern United States Concert Band Clinic and The Alabama Music Educators Conference. As assistant principal, Mr. Murphy was primarily the 11th-12th grade administrator, the school technology coordinator, and was the Advanced Placement Coordinator. In his most recent position, his responsibilities included managing all aspects of the technology department and staff in the Etowah County School System as well as all fine arts related activities.