Kyle Lanier is a native of Beulaville, NC and has been working in public music education as a band director and music teacher for the past 18 years and serving in his local church in a variety of roles from youth pastor to worship leader to guest speaker for the past 21 years. He serves as the music teacher at Lincoln Avenue Academy in Lakeland, FL. Kyle holds a B. M. in Music Education with a concentration in trumpet performance from East Carolina University in Greenville, NC, an M. A. in Human Services Administration from Southeastern University in Lakeland, FL, the Certificate of Christian Studies from the International School of Ministry in San Bernadino, CA, is a National Board-Certified teacher, a member of NAfME, FMEA, and the Central Florida Chapter of the American Federation of Musicians. During his time at ECU, Kyle was very active as a NC Teaching Fellow and had the opportunity to study with world renowned trumpeter, Mr. Vince DiMartino. Some of Kyle’s influences regarding music education include Dr. Britton Theurer, Dr. Scott Carter and Dr. Christopher Knighten. Kyle also has had the pleasure of studying with jazz trumpeter and musician, Paul Butcher. Kyle resides in Lakeland, FL with his wife Brett, their three children, Micah, Elliana, and Giana, their dog, Sadie and their cat, Carolina. He stays active as a musician performing with the Imperial Symphony Orchestra of Lakeland, Highway 37 South Brass and Blues band, local music ensembles within the theme parks of Central Florida, has served as a sideman for the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra on the Walt Disney World Resort and in his local church. As active members of the local church, Kyle and Brett have served as the interim worship leaders and directors of volunteers at Epic Church of Lakeland and receive training and support from their home church, Grace Covenant Church, in Beulaville, NC. Kyle currently works as a brass/marching technician with the Lakeland High School Marching Dreadnaughts. In 2016, Kyle was selected to be the guest conductor for the 2016 NCBA Eastern District All-District Middle School Concert Band, a highlight of his teaching career. During his tenure as a band director, Kyle’s bands received numerous awards and recognition and his students consistently performed in a variety of county, district and state level events and has worked as a visual technician within the US Bands Competitive Marching Band Circuit. Kyle is honored to serve as the music teacher at Lincoln Avenue Academy.