Brian Crumpler

Football was supposed to be Bryan Crumpler's destiny.

He defied that destiny.

Crumpler has long been a name associated with the NFL — Bryan’s father, formerly of the Washington Redskins and Buffalo Bills, is a legendary running back gracing the walls of the N.C. Sports Hall of Fame alongside Michael Jordan and Dean Smith. One brother, Carlester, is a retired tight-end for the Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings, while second brother, Alge, is currently a nationally ranked pro-bowl tight-end for the Atlanta Falcons.

But Bryan chose an entirely different path: music.

"My dad still talks every now and then about how he wanted me to be his star running back of the family," Crumpler said. "As far as my strengths, music has always been the strongest of them."

The clarinetist's journey into a career as an international concert artist hasn't always been melodious. Growing up, Crumpler performed with a variety of ensembles, professional and non, but at Carolina he dabbled in three different majors before selecting computer science. At the same time, he maintained his love for music by playing in the UNC marching band, pep bands, the wind ensemble, symphony orchestra, and the University’s chamber players.

He also used The Morehead to keep his music talents honed. During his travel/study summer, Crumpler organized an international study and performance tour throughout Europe. Little did he know then how valuable that experience would be in preparing him for his eventual career.

After graduating from UNC, Crumpler pursued an IT job, but found the job market was lousy. While freelancing his Web development skills, Crumpler decided his true calling was music.

Since then, he's been building a career as a solo artist. He travels the world to compete, audition, perform, and record. It's not an easy road, with Crumpler having to bartend and freelance Web design to make ends meet.

"My life is really just a long-term audition process," he quips.

But the auditions are paying off. His first CD will soon be released. He has won top prizes in several prestigious competitions. And he's going to spend a year in Belgium under a full fellowship studying with a master clarinetist.

With many talents at Crumpler's disposal, his life could have gone in any direction. He thanks The Morehead for providing him the means to test the waters in many different areas.

"As most people are aware, college scholarships are primarily intended to bring students to universities to enhance only one major aspect of the institution — sports, music, a certain major," Crumpler said. "The Morehead gave me the freedom to be who I am, to be successful."