Craig Gray, Director of Bands at Andover Central High School, passed away on March 21 at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita after prolonged complications sustained from a medical procedure. Craig was born in Little Rock, Arkansas and received his Bachelor's degree in Music Education in 1984. Craig moved to Andover in 1997 from Enid, OK and then began teaching at Andover Central when the school opened. He was very involved with KMEA as the 56A All-State Band chair for a number of years. He also hosted numerous state solo and ensemble festivals and was recently on the state committee for the creation of the new state music standards.

According to Victor Markovich, Wichita State University Director of Bands, "The ACHS students, the bands and teaching music were Craig's life. Craig's really created a sense of family at ACHS with his music students. He was a sincere and caring music educator. Craig was a 'father figure' to his students. I have rehearsed the ACHS band at least 2-3 times a year and his students were his 'children.' His students loved him in turn."