Hello all! My name is Mr. Johnson, and I am extremely excited to serve as your band director at Pine Grove Middle School. Here is a little bit about me.

I am an Auburn, AL native, and I recently graduated summa cum laude from Auburn University, I was actively involved in many different groups on Auburn’s campus. I served as both a drum major, clarinet section leader, and soloist for the Auburn University Marching Band. Outside of the AUMB, I was an active performer in the Auburn Symphonic Winds, Auburn Clarinet Ensemble, Auburn Community Orchestra, and the East Alabama Community Band. I have also served as a United Sound mentor to help provide music education to students with special needs.

Outside of teaching music, I love to cook, spend time with my friends, play video games, and write music. I love dogs, and I have a dachshund named Penny. She is my pride and joy, and I will always show pictures of her if asked.

I look forward to meeting everyone, and I look forward to a wonderful year!

Go Band Woo!

Mr. Johnson

Email: tracejohnson@lowndes.k12.ga.us

Phone: (229)-219-3234 ext. 3418

With a career spanning 35+ years in music education, Christina M. Huss has taught and conducted bands at both the middle school and high school level, most recently as Director of Bands at Valdosta Middle School, where she retired in 2016. Throughout her career, Ms. Huss’ bands have performed in multiple venues throughout the Southeastern United States and have consistently received superior ratings in various state and regional events.

Ms. Huss has served in a variety of roles in state music affiliations, and has enjoyed several honors and awards, including Teacher of the Year and STAR Teacher, during her 28-year tenure at Brooks County High School in Quitman, GA. Since retiring, Christina enjoys composing music for band, and continues to teach band part-time for the Lowndes County, GA Band Program. Prior to coming to Lowndes County, she served as Director of Bands at both Valdosta Middle School in Valdosta, GA and Berrien Middle School in Nashville, GA.

Ms. Huss is a founding co-director and conductor of the Azalea Winds Community Band based in Valdosta, GA, where she continues to perform and serve as an adjudicator, guest conductor, and clinician. Ms. Huss is also a published band music composer, publishing with Excelcia Music in Lakeland, Florida. Several of her compositions are listed as Editor’s Choice selections with J.W. Pepper Music Inc. She is a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Valdosta, GA, and most recently, has become a proud grandmother.

Email: christinahuss@lowndes.k12.ga.us