Michael Chambless

Michael Chambless is in his tenth year as Director of Bands at Thompson Middle School, and his eleventh year of teaching. Mr. Chambless is a native of Hoover, Alabama and a graduate of Hoover High School.

Prior to his time at Thompson, Mr. Chambless began his teaching career at Hillcrest and Duncanville Middle Schools in Tuscaloosa, AL. His bands have consistently received superior ratings at the Alabama Bandmasters Music Performance Assessment. Under his direction, the Thompson Middle School Symphonic Band has performed at The University of Alabama Middle School Honor Band Festival, the Alabama Music Educators Association Conference, and the Southeastern Regional Music for All Concert Festival in Atlanta, GA. His bands have also performed in Orlando at both Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. Mr. Chambless is a two time recipient of the National Band Association’s Citation of Excellence, and a recipient of the Phi Beta Mu Outstanding Young Band Director Award.

Mr. Chambless holds a Bachelors of Science in Music Education from The University of Alabama and a Masters in Music Education from the American Band College at Central Washington University. At UA, he was a member of the Alabama Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Million Dollar Band, and studied saxophone with Dr. Jon Noffsinger. His professional affiliations include the National Association for Music Education, National Band Association, Alabama Music Educators Association, and Alabama Bandmasters Association. He currently resides in Helena, Alabama with his wife Cindy, who is a professional musician, and their daughter Caroline.

At Thompson Middle School, Mr. Chambless conducts the Symphonic Band and Concert Band 2, and assists with Concert Band 1. He also teaches beginning band horn, trombone, and trumpet classes.