Adrian Maclin

Adrian Maclin is in his thirteenth year as director of choirs at Cordova High School and nineteenth year of teaching. As a product of Memphis City Schools, Maclin was inspired by his middle and high school choral directors to become a music educator. Adrian is a graduate of Philander Smith University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Music with emphasis on vocal performance. 

While at Cordova, his groups have performed at the Southern Division of the American Choral Directors Association conference, the Tennessee Music Educators Association conference, Carnegie Hall, and in numerous halls throughout the country. His ensembles are widely known for their inspiring, thought provoking, and moving performances. Adrian works hard to not only produce outstanding performing ensembles, but he is committed to educating and cultivating the total musician and student, that inspire the next chapter in their lives. In addition to Adrian’s work at Cordova, he serves the Memphis- Shelby County School district on the Music Leadership team. In this role, Adrian’s primary focus is to support his choral colleagues and novice directors in professional development planning and presentations, and opportunities to organize team teaching and mentoring.  Adrian also serves on the board of the West Tennessee Vocal Music Educator Association as Past-President, State Choral Chair for the Tennessee Music Educators Association and has served on the board for the State Chapter of the American Choral Director’s Association. Through these roles Adrian hopes he fulfils his part to aid in every child having access to a strong choral music education.

Maclin has faithfully served his home church of Mount Moriah -East Baptist Church 19 years as the Minister of Music. He also serves as the Assistant Artistic Director for the Memphis Choral Arts as primary conductor for the Memphis Men’s Chorale.  Adrian has adjudicated festivals as well as served as guest clinician in the Memphis area, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, and for the National Baptist Convention Lucie E. Campbell Music Workshop. Adrian was recently recognized by the Country Music Association Foundation as one of their 2020 Music Teachers of Excellence award and is a 2025 Finalist* for the Music Educator Award presented by the Recording Academy and Grammy Museum. Maclin has two daughters, Madison and McKenzie, who are the apples of his eye.

*...BREAKING NEWS...* 29 January 2025

Adrian has just been named the GRAMMY Music Educator of the Year 2025 by The Recording Academy and GRAMMY Museum.