The first 5 years of a teaching career are critical to the development of an individual as an educator and crucial to the longevity of his/her career. This clinic will explore the critical areas young directors can focus on in order to be successful in beginning their careers.
Russ Thompson
- Biographical Information
Mr. Russ Thompson is in his fourth year as Director of Bands at Woodland High School – Henry County, GA. He oversees a 130 member program consisting of two concert ensembles, three percussion ensembles, the 100-member extracurricular Wolfpack Marching Band, two winter guard ensembles, and teaches AP Music Theory. The Wolfpack Marching Band was invited to and performed in the 2016 ABC/Dukin’ Donuts Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade and the 2016 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Christmas Parade. Under his direction, the Wolfpack Marching Band is a two-time BOA Regional Participant and competed at the 2016 U.S. Bands Southern States Championship in Chattanooga, TN. From 2012-2014 he served as Assistant Director of Bands/Instructor of Music at Campbellsville University, in Campbellsville, KY. In 2012, he completed the Masters of Music in Wind Band Conducting at Georgia State University, where he conducted the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Wind Orchestra, University Band and assisted with the Panther Marching Band. From 2008-2010, he served as the Director of Bands at Duluth High School in Duluth, Georgia. From 2005-2007, Mr. Thompson served as band director at Lauderdale County High School in Florence, Alabama where he served as the primary music teacher for grades K-12, teaching elementary general music, beginning band, and 7-12th-grade band. Russ holds a Master’s in Education degree from Auburn University where he also served as a Graduate Assistant with the Auburn University Bands and a Bachelor’s of Music in Music Education degree from the University of North Alabama. He is a member of Georgia Music Educators Association, NAfME, American Band Director’s Association, and National Band Association. Russ currently serves as GMEA District VI Treasurer and has presented at the 2017 GMEA and 2017 AMEA In-Service Conferences.