Band Director

Mr. Joel Dukes is a proud graduate of Lincoln County High School class of 2012. He is the son of Gerry and Jasper Dukes (former director).  During his time in Middle and High School, he was an active member of the Red Pride Band, earning accolades in the District Honor and All-State Bands. His dedication to academics and music led to a full scholarship to Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance with a concentration in Tuba in 2016. In 2021, he completed a Master's in Art and Teaching in Music Education at Georgia College and State University.

 Now in his 10th year in education and 6th year at Lincoln County Middle/High School, Mr. Dukes has guided the Red Pride Marching Band (RPMB) to success in numerous marching competitions, consistently achieving superior and excellent ratings. In the 2023-2024 school year, the band participated in the 200th Anniversary of the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Savannah, Georgia. Under Mr. Dukes' leadership, the RPB will also participate in its first-ever Bowl Game, the 2024 Pop-Tart Bowl in Orlando, Florida. Mr. Dukes was awarded the 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year for Lincoln County Middle School. 

 Mr. Dukes' vision for the band program is to maintain a standard of excellence that transcends all students to become great musicians.  Throughout his journey, he has always strived to be the best at everything he did, which has helped him achieve his current success.  In maintaining this standard of excellence, he plans to:

• PREPARE the students to be ready for obstacles that may come their way.

• INSPIRE the students by being a positive light and a mentoring figure.  

•     CHALLENGE each student to reach their full potential as a member of the Red Pride Band and as a student of Lincoln County.