Biography

Byron Graves is graduate music program director and music education coordinator at Andrews University, where he is responsible for teaching music education courses for the music teacher certification program. Prior to coming to Andrews University, he held K-12 teaching positions in band, handbells, and general music at Andrews Academy, Ruth Murdoch Elementary School, Great Lakes Adventist Academy, Cedar Lake Elementary School, and Union Springs Academy. His ensembles have traveled extensively around the United States, and have won awards for their outstanding performances. He has also served as a clinician and guest conductor for band and handbell festivals around the country.

As a clarinetist, Dr. Graves is a member of the St. Joseph Municipal Band and has mentored a large number of young clarinetists in his studio over the past 15 years. He enjoys performing for various Department of Music and church events, and especially collaborating on chamber music with colleagues and students. His principal clarinet instructors include Philip Barham, Jonathan Gunn, and Jason Gresl.

Dr. Graves completed his doctorate in music education at Boston University, and also has a master’s degree in instrumental conducting from Central Michigan University, and undergraduate degrees in clarinet performance and music education from Andrews University. He also has professional memberships with the College Band Directors National Association, National Association for Music Education, Michigan Music Educators Association, Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association, International Clarinet Association, and International Adventist Musicians Association. He firmly believes that music brings you closer to God in a way nothing else can, and he is passionate about helping mentor the next generation of Adventist music educators.

In addition to music, Dr. Graves also enjoys an active lifestyle of RVing, backpacking, mountaineering, mountain biking, Crossfit, running, canoeing, and paddleboarding. He is married to his wife, Jenni (a school psychologist at the Berrien RESA), and together they have three children, Asher, Noelle, and Jonah.