After more than three decades as a music educator, Chris Tolliver has been recognized as the Kentucky Music Educators Association (KMEA) District 2 Friend of Music for his ongoing contributions to the Owensboro Public Schools (OPS) choral program and the broader Owensboro community.
Tolliver, who serves as a collaborative pianist for OPS, has dedicated his life to music education, church music, and performance. His career spans teaching band, playing in church settings, and mentoring young musicians.
“I’ve always wanted to share my love for music with others,” Tolliver said. “I may not be in the classroom every day, but I still get to see that moment of wonder when a student grasps a musical concept or creates a beautiful sound.”
Tolliver graduated from Kentucky Wesleyan College in 1982 and began his teaching career at Owensboro Catholic High School. He later taught band in Hopkins County for 30 years before stepping away from full-time teaching in 2017. But retirement didn’t mean stepping away from music.
In 2019, former OPS Director of Fine Arts Tom Stites reached out with an offer Tolliver couldn’t refuse — playing piano for the district’s choir programs. The position allows him to work with students at Owensboro High School, Owensboro Middle School, and the OPS elementary schools as needed.
“When he called and said, ‘Would you come play piano for the choir program?’ I said, ‘You mean you’re going to pay me to just play the piano?’” Tolliver recalled with a laugh. “It was a perfect fit, and it gave me an opportunity to stay involved in something I love.”
Beyond his work in schools, Tolliver has served as a church musician for more than 30 years. He played at Greenville United Methodist Church before accepting a position as an organist at Settle Memorial United Methodist Church in Owensboro in early 2024. The move also prompted him to relocate from Madisonville to Owensboro, bringing him closer to his work and family.
His dedication to music education extends beyond OPS. Tolliver regularly collaborates with the Owensboro High School band, orchestra, and drama departments. His passion for music continues to be shaped by educators such as Jennifer Wiggins, the current OHS choral director, and Connie Ford, a professor of music at Owensboro Community & Technical College.
“To say that I’m a Friend of Music – I try to be,” Tolliver said. “But honestly, the music community has been the best friend to me. It gives me an outlet to keep using the gifts God has given me, and I am very, very fortunate for that.”
Tolliver’s impact on the local music scene is undeniable, and his recognition by KMEA District 2 is a testament to the dedication he has shown throughout his career.
