Russellville High School and Russellville Middle School are proud to announce the hiring of Trevor Cardwell as RHS Band Band Director and District Arts and Humanities Director. He has served as the RHS Assistant Band Director for the past three years and was chosen by a committee made up of parents, SBDM members, and administrators from both RMS and RHS. Mr. Cardwell holds a Bachelor’s degree in Musical Education from Murray State University.

Mr. Cardwell takes over for Brian Brown, who left after a long and successful tenure as the RHS Band Director to take a similar position out of state. Under Mr. Brown and Mr. Cardwell’s leadership, the RHS Band completed the 2020 Marching Band season with the highest finish in school history, finishing 5th in the KMEA Class 2A State Marching Band Competition. Additionally, Mr. Cardwell has helped to revive the proud Choral tradition at RHS, building the RHS Choir back into one of the fastest rising in the area.   

The Russellville Musical Arts Programs have benefited greatly from a School Board and Central Office Administration willing to invest in supporting the musical and performance arts. Since joining Russellville Independent Schools, Mr. Cardwell has been a key player in the swell of Band and Performance Arts participation, seeing numbers reach as high as one in every two students participating at some grade levels. His hiring as Band Director reflects the expectation of Russellville Schools to be the leader in South Central Kentucky in musical and performance arts education.  

Mr. Cardwell released this statement regarding his new position: 

“I am extremely honored to take on the role of Head Band Director and District Arts Coordinator for the Russellville Independent School District. For the past three years as the Assistant Band Director here in the district, I have truly learned the meaning of the phrase "Panther Pride."  I have been blessed to work with an exemplary staff and with students from Stevenson Elementary, Russellville Middle, and Russellville High School who have been exceptionally diligent in their music education; together, we have worked to achieve demanding and rewarding goals each and every day. 

In taking this position, I recognize the importance of arts education and will strive to be nothing less than excellence for these students and this school district.  I want to thank my family, mentors, and the Lord for always leading me through this path of service.”