Meet the Staff
Mr. Craige Phipps - Director of Bands
Mr. Phipps holds a bachelor's degree from St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Indiana where he focused on K-12 Music Education and Wind Conducting. Prior to Knox High School, Mr. Phipps taught for 2 years for Griffith Public Schools in Griffith, Indiana where he oversaw the significant growth of the instrumental music department. During his tenure at Knox, the Instrumental Music and Dance Department has grown to include a wide variety of musical and performance offerings for students to expand their knowledge and understanding of music, as well as dance. Mr. Phipps directs four concert bands, an award winning marching band, two jazz bands, guitar, music theory and general music. Mr. Phipps pioneered the creation of a performing arts class designed for students with special needs where students experience percussion, art, dance, vocal music and acting. He has overseen the growth and development of the extra-curricular music program to include middle school jazz band, award winning winter drumline and winter guard. Knox High School and Middle School concert bands both proudly and consistently, receive top ratings at Organizational Contest. In his spare time, Mr. Phipps loves spending time with his wife Catherine and children, Garin, Arabella, and William. He loves fishing, racing and traveling, as well as woodworking. Mr. Phipps’ philosophy for teaching his students is "I hope to instill a love for music that lasts a student's lifetime, but more-so, I pray that the lessons I teach help to create good people."
Email: cphipps@knox.k12.in.us
Mr. Andy Rice - Percussion Director/Sound Engineer
Andy is a 2008 Graduate of Knox High School. He began his tenure as a percussion tech where he honed his teaching skills. Andy assumed the reins of the Knox Percussion Ensemble in 2010. Under his leadership the Winter Drumline is a 7 time State Finalist and has grown to include nearly 50 students. In addition, he has become a member of the Indiana Percussion Association board and is regularly consulted by schools throughout the state for his understanding of sound engineering. In his free time Andy enjoys technology, regularly performs with his band, and is an avid bowler.
Email: andrewrice52@gmail.com
Ms. Coley Clark - Guard Director
Coley is a 2014 graduate of Knox Community High School. Beginning as a guard assistant Coley worked for the band for 4 years before assuming the role of Director in 2018. She is a 2018 graduate of Holy Cross College with a degree in Special Education. Coley works at Knox Elementary as a Special Education teacher.
Email: nclark@knox.k12.in.us
Ms. Kate Radelja - Guard Assistant
Kate is a 2019 Graduate of Knox Community High School. Kate has an extensive background in Dance and has expertly brought that to enhance the ability of our students. Kate is an integral part of our design team.
Mr. Jacob Keen - Brass Technician
Jacob is a 2021 graduate of Knox High School, currently studying music education at Valparaiso University. During high school, he was a three-time member of the Indiana Bandmasters Association All-State Band. He has also performed with many different ensembles including the LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra, the LaPorte City Band, and the Michigan City Municipal Band. Jacob is also a member of the 2023 Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps, an experience that will extend his knowledge of the marching arts and overall musicianship. His love for music stems from the idea that it allows him to express himself while connecting with others. Jacob hopes to cultivate, for his current and future students, a space in which they can express themselves through music. In his free time, he enjoys playing video games and spending time with his dogs.