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• Leader of the Arts

Dr. Vernal E. Richardson

November, 2004

Dr. Vernal E. Richardson’s career as a teacher and professional musician spans nearly 50 years. After graduating from Indiana University in 1956, Dr. Richardson received a position in the First Violin Section with the Atlanta Symphony for one season before entering pilot training with the US Air Force. He served as pilot of a B-47 jet bomber from 1956-59. Dr. Richardson then returned to Indiana University, where he received a M. M. in Violin and Conducting.

From 1959 to 1989 Richardson filled the role as Assistant/Associate Professor at various colleges and universities and as Orchestra Director at two high schools. He frequently served as adjudicator in festivals and as conductor of community and all-state string orchestras. He received his D. M. A. from Catholic University of America in 1977. Additionally, he performed as violinist in approximately 2000 commercial recordings, many of which received gold records for sales in excess of one million.

Dr. Richardson came to Atlanta Public Schools in 1989. He was selected Teacher of the Year at E. R. Carter Elementary in 1993 and has had a number of performances and residencies at Emory University. He has directed the orchestra programs at Inman Middle and Grady High Schools for the past four years. Under his direction the orchestras at both schools have regularly received Superior ratings at festival, and several of his students have been selected for All-State Orchestra positions.

The father of three and the grandfather of five, Dr. Richardson and his wife Teena enjoy traveling, entertaining, and living in their new home in the North Georgia Mountains.