Spencer Parrish is Director of Bands at Needham High School where he conducts the Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Pep Band in addition to teaching Piano and AP Music Theory. Under his leadership, Parrish’s groups have earned gold medal ratings at state festivals (e.g., MICCA, MAJE) and performed in historic locations such as the Hatch Memorial Shell in Boston and the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

 

Parrish graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from Berklee College of Music where he was a recipient of the college's North American scholarship and Professional Education Division Achievement Award. He studied jazz piano under Jeff Covell and Kevin Harris and wind band conducting under Dr. Dominick Ferrara. He later earned a Master of Music degree in Music Education from Boston University with special studies in arranging and orchestration. In addition to teaching in Needham, Parrish serves on the faculty of the Berklee College of Music Day Sessions program. Prior to his teaching appointment in Needham, he taught elementary general and instrumental music in the Newton Public Schools. Parrish is a professional pianist, Hammond organist, bandleader, and composer/arranger who has performed, recorded, and collaborated with renowned artists such as Glen David Andrews, Melba Moore, Amanda Shaw, and Denise Morgan.