Mark Kraft served as the Director of Bands at South
Brunswick High School from 1981 to 2014. Mr. Kraft holds a
Bachelor of Science in Music Education degree from West
Chester University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Arts in
Instrumental Conducting from The College of New Jersey.
In addition, he has done post-graduate work at Yale
University.
Mr. Kraft has toured the United States, Canada and Europe
conducting instrumental ensembles. He has conducted
honors ensembles for the CJMEA, NJIAJE, Rutgers
University and Augustana College and served as guest conductor for collegiate ensembles at
the NJMEA Convention. In 2014, Mr. Kraft was named a semi-finalist for the Grammy Music
Educator Award and in the same year was awarded the “Key to the City” from the South
Brunswick Town Council for his contributions to the community. In 2010 he was awarded the
Distinguished Leadership and Service Award by the New Jersey Music Educators Association.
In 2005, Mr. Kraft was selected by the School Band and Orchestra Magazine as one of the top
50 music educators that make a difference in the lives of students and in 2000, he received the
Governor’s Teacher Award and the South Brunswick High School Teacher of the Year Award.
Mr. Kraft served on the New Jersey All State Band Procedures Committee since 1994, and
hosted the CJMEA Concert Band festival since 1998.
Under his direction the SBHS Music Program grew to be one of the largest and finest in the
state of New Jersey. The Wind Ensemble performed at Rutgers University, The College of New
Jersey, Montclair State University, Avery Fischer Hall, Clowes Auditorium at Butler University,
the Murat Theatre in Indianapolis, New Jersey State House, and the Library of Congress.
Washington, DC. In 2001 and 2008 they were selected to perform at the National Concert Band
Festival and in 2006, they performed for the College Band Directors National Association
Eastern Convention. The Wind Ensemble received Gold Ratings in every New Jersey State
Festival since 1997. The South Brunswick Marching Band was the 2013 New Jersey State
Champions for Group 6 Open and performed pregame and halftime at the Super Bowl.
He is currently the Director of Instrumental Music at Abington Friends School in Jenkintown, Pa.
and a member of PMEA.