Earl Hurrey began his musical career in 1975 after graduating from Gettysburg College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education. His first professional experience was teaching general music and band at Calvert Junior High School in Prince Frederick, MD. While teaching in Maryland, Earl auditioned for the Marine Field Music program and was subsequently accepted for duty. After completing Boot Camp at Parris Island, SC he attended the Armed Forces School of Music in Little Creek, VA. Upon graduation, Earl was stationed at the Marine Corps Education and Development Command in Quantico, VA where he was soon promoted to Sergeant and performed as Tuba section leader and NCOIC of the Quantico Band's Combo section. In the winter of 1979, Earl successfully auditioned for the "President's Own" U.S. Marine Band in Washington, DC. Early in his Marine Band career, Earl performed with the band's tuba section and acted as band librarian. In 1983, Earl became the band's Stage/Production Manager, where he oversaw all of the logistical requirements of one of the oldest and most prestigious musical organizations in the world today. During these years, he oversaw hundreds of White House ceremonies and performances, 14 national concert tours, 5 European tours and thousands of Marine Band performances around the country and throughout the Washington DC area.

Upon retirement from the Marine Band in 1997, Earl accepted a position with Guest Talent and Education Programs with Walt Disney Entertainment in Orlando, FL. For the next several years Earl performed his duties as Guest Talent Coordinator and eventually as Manager of Guest Talent and Education for Walt Disney Entertainment. In this capacity, he oversaw the education outreach programs of Disney Magic Music Days where school musical groups of all ages were given the opportunity to perform in one of three of four theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort. Additionally, Earl was responsible for managing the production of several large-scale festival events, including three MENC World’s Largest Concert productions during his tenure with Walt Disney Entertainment.

Earl's strong commitment to the advancement of music education convinced him to accept the position of Director, Special Memberships with MENC: The National Association for Music Education in February of this 2001. While in this position Earl was instrumental in promoting the association's Tri-M International Music Honors Society and MENC’s Collegiate programs so they may be recognized as important components of MENC's overall commitment to music education as a professional way of life. On June 1, 2001, Earl became the Director of Memberships and Affiliate Relations, where he continued to encourage and promote MENC's support of quality music education programs in every school in America. In November 2002 Earl was promoted to Assistant Executive Director for Project Development and Programs. In this capacity, Earl supervised the Special Projects department, which is responsible for directing all programs with outside organizations.

In September 2007 Earl was promoted to Deputy Executive Director for Business Development. In his current position he is responsible for developing opportunities and programs with outside business entities and professional organizations that will promote MENC’s message of music education for all.

Through his entire career, Earl has been recognized as a leading advocate of music education and a strong supporter of parents and the very important role of school booster programs. His strategies for successful school fund-raising have assisted many school programs achieve record results for their efforts. These efforts have resulted in numerous awards, none of which were more important then being recognized as a tireless band parent during his own children's school years.