James Kranz
Mr. Kranz was born in New Orleans, Louisiana but soon after moved to Maryland. After high school he attended the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in music education and a master’s degree in wind conducting. He studied trumpet with René Shapiro, Langston Fitzgerald, Edward Hoffman and Joe Burgstaller, and conducting with Dr. Harlan Parker.
Mr. Kranz joined the Howard County Public School System in 2012. He spent seven years as the band and orchestra director at Atholton Elementary School, while also serving as an adjunct faculty member at Stevenson University. In 2019 he became one of two band directors at Centennial High School in Ellicott City.
He maintains a private trumpet studio based in Howard County and is a faculty member with the Maryland Trumpet Institute. His students are frequently selected to participate in local honors ensembles and receive superior ratings in county and state solo festivals. Outside of music Mr. Kranz enjoys cars, traveling, hiking, playing golf and indoor rock climbing.
Mr. Kranz joined the Howard County Public School System in 2012. He spent seven years as the band and orchestra director at Atholton Elementary School, while also serving as an adjunct faculty member at Stevenson University. In 2019 he became one of two band directors at Centennial High School in Ellicott City.
He maintains a private trumpet studio based in Howard County and is a faculty member with the Maryland Trumpet Institute. His students are frequently selected to participate in local honors ensembles and receive superior ratings in county and state solo festivals. Outside of music Mr. Kranz enjoys cars, traveling, hiking, playing golf and indoor rock climbing.