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Mr. Andy Pettus Director of Bands Wind Ensemble Jazz Band AP Music Theory
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I am originally from Green Hill, AL, a small community just north of Florence, AL where my parents still reside. I have two older brothers who are both married with two children each. I attended Rogers High School where I began my career as a saxophonist halfway through the sixth grade (my first horn was the same one that my mother played in high school). While in high school, the highest honors I received were getting first chair red band in the Alabama All-State Band Festival on alto saxophone and serving as Valedictorian of my class. After high school, I attended Mississippi State University majoring in Industrial Engineering for one year before transferring to the University of Alabama where I completed two B.S. degrees: one in music education and one in pure mathematics. During my time at Alabama, I sat principal saxophonist in the Alabama Wind Ensemble and the Alabama Symphonic Band, along with playing baritone saxophone in the Alabama Jazz Ensemble. Also, I served as drum major of the Million Dollar Band for four years and drill designer/arranger for the Million Dollar Band for two years. My experiences in the Million Dollar Band changed my life forever because that is where I met my wonderful wife, Ashli. We got married about four years later on June 3, 2006. After finishing my undergraduate degrees, I served as the orchestra director for the Tuscaloosa Youth Orchestra for one year. Then, I went off to graduate school. Before accepting the position here at Hillcrest High School, I completed my M.M. degree in music education with emphasis in wind conducting at the University of Miami where I studied conducting with Mr. Gary Green. While in Miami, I had the opportunity to meet and learn from many amazing composers like Alfred Reed, Frank Ticheli, and David Maslanka. I am currently serving in my third year as the Director of Bands at Hillcrest High School, the Orchestra Director of the Tuscaloosa Youth Orchestra, and the Orchestra Director at First Baptist Church of Tuscaloosa. |
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Mr. Nick Smith Assistant Director Concert Band Music Appreciation
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John Nicholas Smith is currently serving as the Assistant Band Director at Hillcrest High School in Tuscaloosa, AL. He directs the Concert Band, teaches Music Appreciation, and assists with the Wind Ensemble, Patriot Marching Band, and various chamber groups. Mr. Smith recently received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Auburn University (May 2009), where he was named the "Outstanding Undergraduate Student in the College of Education." As a student leader, he served as Head and Assistant Drum Major for the Auburn University Marching Band, Principal trumpet of the Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and Community Orchestra, President and Treasurer of Kappa Kappa Psi, and Founding President for the Student Chapter of the National Band Association. Much of his current success can be linked to the training and preparation he received from these various opportunities and experiences, and from the guidance of their respective directors. Remaining actively involved in high school leadership training, Mr. Smith is on staff for the annual Auburn University Marching/Leadership Camp, and also clinics around the state. He is also entering his third year as a staff member for the Macy's Great American Marching Band, which performs in the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade under the direction of Auburn University's Director of Bands, Dr. Rick Good. Mr. Smith was born in Bryan, Texas. He later moved to Birmingham, AL where he attended and graduated from Oak Mountain High School. He was inspired to be an educator by Mr. Jim Duren, the current Director of Bands. |
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