Matt McCready is in his 16th year with Union Public Schools and eighth as Director of Fine Arts, having previously served as Union’s Director of Bands. Union has a robust Fine Arts Department with extensive course offerings and student participation spanning Pre-K through grade 12. Union has been named a “Best Community for Music Education” by the NAMM Foundation numerous times.

Under his direction, the Union Band saw exponential growth in student participation while also receiving top rankings and ratings at numerous local, state, regional, and national events. During his tenure, The Renegade Regiment, Union’s marching band, was Bands of America (BOA) Grand Nationals Finalist’s twice, and also participated in the 2013 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Since then, Matt has been honored to help the band return to BOA Grand Nationals Finals three more times, serving in the role of Program Supervisor. McCready maintains an active schedule around the country as a musician, clinician, conductor, and adjudicator.

McCready is a graduate of the University of Kansas (KU) earning both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music Education as well as a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Oklahoma State University in Tulsa. While attending KU, he was the assistant director of the men’s and women’s basketball bands during the 100th year of Kansas basketball, and was also selected to be in the Walt Disney World All-American College Band. McCready is a native of Kansas City and is an avid Jayhawks fan as well as a die-hard Royals and Chiefs supporter. Matt is thankful for his beautiful and loving wife, Amy, who is also an administrator with Union Public Schools.