Mr. Phipps completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Northern Iowa (1982) and his Masters of Music Education degree through Adams State University (2015) in Alamosa, CO. 

Specific Units taught each year include Native American Song, Dance and Drumming, Folk Dancing, Music Theory, Music Performance, Music Appreciation, Xylophone, Ukulele, Band and Choir.

Craig firmly believes in the Colorado Elementary All State Choir program and until this year, has supplied singers to the group since its inception. He also served on the Board of Directors for the program for three years.

Mr. Phipps teaches 30 classes of General Music, 5 for each grade at Meridian Ranch Elementary. Most years, grade levels have an annual concert at which students are expected to perform. This year, who knows?

In addition to General Music, we have a 5th grade band that will continue to meet in sectionals only at 7:30 AM. The day of the week is determined by which instrument your student plays. The 2020-2021 plan is to have Saxophones on Mondays, Flutes on Tuesdays, Clarinets on Wednesdays, Brass on Thursdays and Percussion on Fridays. Bass and Piano are generally very limited and meet after school. The annual cost to belong to the school band is $75 and includes student books, music and band shirts, and instruction. Students must have/rent their own instrument, which can be rented from Graner Music or Meeker Music, or simply purchased. MRES Band will begin on Tuesday, September 8th this year.

The MRES Choir normally meets each Monday morning at 7:30 AM. However, given our current circumstances, there will be no choir at Meridian Ranch in 2020. We will revisit this around Christmas time in hopes of singing together during the second 1/2 of the year.