‘You don’t have to be perfect to make an impact,’
The Hattiesburg High School’s choir program is continuing to gain national accolades as their director, Gary McCullum, earns a nomination for the 2027 Grammy Music Educator Award. For McCullum, the recognition is less about trophies and more about transformation- proof that intentional teaching and belief in students can resonate far beyond their practice and performance spaces.
Q: The Grammys are obviously a HUGE deal, so how does it feel to be nominated for such a prestigious award?
A: Being nominated for the Grammy Music Educator for 2027 is a high honor. The feeling is surreal, actually. I am not one to focus on the awards. I set my eyes on ensuring that I am providing the best possible choral experience to all of the scholars I am blessed to serve and creating an environment where all students are gifted with the tools and knowledge to be successful beyond high school.
Q: How does it feel to represent Hattiesburg Public Schools and our region as a whole on a national level?
A: The feeling of representing the Hattiesburg Public School District is incredible. Upon my arrival to the district in August 2023, I found a district teeming with pride, excellence and community support. During my time within the district, I grew to truly understand what it means to be BURGBUILT. This means that no matter the obstacles one may face, you are BUILT to handle it. Regardless of how others may view you, you are BUILT to handle it. No matter what, you were BUILT to handle it. I'm truly grateful to have been supported by the district and the community as we BUILT the choral program back to a level of excellence.
Q: What are the next steps of the process on the road to a Grammy?
A: Being nominated for the Grammy is an amazing feeling and one that now leads to a few other steps. The initial nomination pits me with other music educators from across the nation. From this stage, the nominees' credentials will go before a panelist of judges. The judges will then determine who progresses beyond to the next stage. From there, the academy usually narrows the list down to 10 where they then ultimately choose one individual. The winner, per the Grammy's website, will receive an honorarium for their personal usages and a matching honorarium to benefit the program they serve.
Q: What do you hope this nomination conveys to your students?
A: My prayer is that this nomination proves that you don't have to be perfect to make an impact. You just need to be intentional. It seemed that I was always on the lower end of the spectrum as it related to becoming successful. I grew up in poverty. I had struggles. I didn't graduate with a traditional education degree. What I did have was a burning desire to serve those around me. This was all I needed, and it's all that anyone else would need. Treat others well and do your absolute best with whatever cards you are dealt in life. This is truly all you need to be successful.
