FP Bands

Ian Pask is in his sixth year as Band Director at Fort Payne High School and ninth year teaching in Fort Payne. Before being the Director he was the Fort Payne Middle School Band Director for three years. Prior to Fort Payne, Ian was the Elementary Music Teacher for Arab City Schools.

Ian is a graduate of Medina High School in Medina, NY. He attended Jacksonville State University for his Bachelor of Arts in Music Education, where he was a member of the Marching Southerners, Chamber Winds, Wind Ensemble, Hardcorps, and Symphonic Band. He was also a founding member of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity chapter at JSU.

Ian also attend Jacksonville State University for his Masters in Music Education. While completing his Masters he was a graduate assistant for the University Bands department, traveled to London with the Southerners, and guest conducted Hardcorps and Symphonic Band.

The FPHS Band has repeated Superior ratings and consistently finishes in the top of their class at every competition under his direction. The band has also shown significant growth since he has joined the program.

Ian lives with his wife Angie, his son Ezra, and their dogs. When not directing bands, Ian and his family enjoy spending time outside gardening, Jacksonville State Football, and visiting friends and family.

Alana Garrett is in her sixth year as Band Director at Fort Payne Middle School. She is a 2013 graduate of Robert S. Alexander High School in Douglasville, GA. Alana attended Jacksonville State University where she was a member of the JSU Marching Southerners and the JSU Chamber Winds. Alana served as a flute section leader for the Marching Southerners in 2015 and as a Marching Southerners Drum Major in 2016. She was also a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honors Society and Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity. While at JSU, Alana travelled in 2016 with the JSU Marching Southerners to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii to perform for the 75th Anniversary of the WWII Pearl Harbor attacks. Alana graduated in April 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in Instrumental Music Education. Alana is also currently pursuing her Master’s in Music Education from The American Band College in Ashland, Oregon. Alana will graduate with her Master’s Degree in the summer of 2021.

Alana is married to Jace Garrett, another JSU Gamecock and Marching Southerner. Mr. Garrett teaches history at Fort Payne High School. Mr. Garrett is also the Fort Payne High School Band Assistant, and the Fort Payne Middle School Softball Assistant Coach. When not at school, the Garretts love hiking, attending sporting events, and spending time with two dogs, Murphy & Louie.

Jacob McGraw is beginning his first year as Assistant Band Director at Fort Payne High School. Prior to this he has been involved with multiple drumlines, concert ensembles, and indoor programs over the last several years.

Jacob is a graduate of Alexander High School in Douglasville, Ga. After graduation he continued his education at Jacksonville State University where he graduated with honors in the spring of 2020. While in Jacksonville, Jacob participated in The Marching Southerners, including a performance in the World Peace Parade in Italy. He served as the bass drum section leader during the 2019 season that culminated with a performance at Bands of America Grand Nationals. Jacob performed at PASIC in 2017 and AMEA in 2020 accompanying his performances with the JSU Jazz Program, Percussion Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, and Chamber Winds.

When he's not working with bands, Jacob spends time fishing, golfing, or playing with his dog Sadie.