Jerry joined the staff as Director of Music Ministries at Grace UMC on July 1,2003. He directs Grace Ringers (an adult handbell choir) and Chancel Choir. Jerry has served as a church music director since 1968.

 

He graduated from East Carolina University with a BA in Music Education (1974) and a Masters in Music Education (1980). Jerry served as a music educator with Sampson County Schools 1974-1979 and at various schools in New Hanover County from 1980 until his retirement in 2004. During his public school teaching experience, he taught choral, instrumental, and general music at all levels, K-12. Jerry has taught as adjunct at the college level (UNCW and CFCC) in areas of choral music, choral methods, music fundamentals, and music appreciation. He also served the school system as Director of Arts Education, Director of Arts Education and Public Relations, and Director of Human Resources.

 

As an active guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator throughout the Eastern United States, Jerry has conducted well over 100 district choirs, festivals, and school and church clinics.

 

Jerry is a member of the Wilmington Chapter of the American Guild of Organists (AGO), American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), National Association for Music Educators (NAFME), and North Carolina Music Educators Association (NCMEA).

 

He perform as as a tenor soloist within the area.

 

Jerry is married to Cheryl and they have two adult sons, Adam and Neil, and two daughters-in-law, Melissa and Ashely. He is the proud Pop Pop of his two favorite grandchildren, Madison and Loch. Jerry is also the music director emeritus of Cape Fear Chorale, a community chorus which he founded and directed for 24 years, 1998-2022.

 

In 2008, Mr. Cribbs received the Lara Hoggard Award for Distinguished Service in Choral Music in North Carolina. He was awarded the East Carolina School of Music Distinguished Alumni Award in 2009.