Nicholas Gattis serves as the Director of Bands at Dawson County High School.  He is a native of Snellville, Georgia and earned degrees from Western Carolina University (BS ED, cum laude) and University of Georgia (MM ED).  Mr. Gattis previously taught in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools prior to Dawson County.  His bands have consistently received 'Superior' ratings at adjudicated festivals and students participate in All-District and All-State honors ensembles.  

Mr. Gattis, a National Geographic Certified Educator, has received a Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship from National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions which allowed him to develop curriculum connecting music and the natural world.  Primary field experience was gained in Iceland and the Galapagos Islands.  Further work in global education includes UNC-Chapel Hill World View's Global Education Leaders Program as well as World Affairs Council Scholar.  Additional awards include receiving WCU School of Music Distinguished Young Alumnus.  

Professional memberships include National Association for Music Education, Georgia Music Educators Association, National Band Association, Professional Association of Georgia Educators, World Affairs Council Charlotte (Lifetime), Pi Kappa Lambda.