HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – With Coach Dustin Lopez selected earlier in the week to lead the football program at the new consolidated high school, Anthony Darnall has been chosen to lead the Christian County High School Marching Tigers. He currently serves as the lead band director at Christian County High and the director of Fine Arts for the district.
Alongside his wife and two young kids at a press conference on Dec. 5, Darnall said he is excited to be selected as the first band director for the new school, adding that both of the current high schools already have a strong tradition of excellence with their bands.
“I’m most excited to build new traditions with students and our community, and work alongside my closest friends and colleagues from both former high schools,” said Darnall during the press conference. “Together, we will build lifelong relationships, incredible lifelong experiences, work to be better people, and continue the legacy of musical excellence here in Christian County.”
It is estimated that the consolidated band may consist of around 180 students, although they will not have a solid number until they take the field for band camp over the summer. As far as any supposed rivalry is concerned, Darnall believes that students from the Christian County Colonel Band and the Hopkinsville Band of Tigers will seamlessly fit together due to their continuous support and collaborations throughout the years. The bands often travel together for competitions, with their winter guard and percussion training together regularly.
“I also want to give a heartfelt shoutout to all of my mentors over the years, I’ve been very blessed to have many. They all know who they are and they’ve all had a huge impact on me both as a person and an educator,” said Darnall.
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Anthony Darnall’s musical experience and accomplishments
New CCHS Executive Principal Ken Carver spoke of Darnall’s long list off accolades, explaining that he has led the CCHS band program for 11 years, during which the program has tripled in enrollment and consistently earned Distinguished Ratings at assessment events. Under his leadership, the band has appeared five times as a KMEA Class 4A State Finalist, was named the 2025 KMEA Class 4A State Marching Band Champion, and selected as a 2025 Bands of America Regional Finalist.
A native of Mayfield, KY, he holds a degree in music education from Murray State University and a Master’s in Trombone Performance from the University of Alabama. An accomplished trombonist, he has performed with multiple symphonies and ensembles, served as an adjudicator and clinician across Kentucky and Tennessee, and previously worked as an adjunct professor.
His students have earned numerous honors, including All-State and Governor’s School for the Arts selections, and he has been recognized as the KMEA Third District High School Teacher of the Year and Phi Beta Mu Outstanding Young Band Director for Kentucky.