Mr. Russ Thompson, Duluth High
School's Director of Bands and Instructor of AP Music Theory, is a native of Florence, Alabama, and is currently in his second year at D.H.S. The Duluth Band program consists of three concert ensembles
(Concert Band, Symphonic Band and Symphonic Winds), The Duluth “Wildcat” Marching Band, winter guard, indoor percussion ensemble, jazz band and concert percussion ensemble. Russ has brought a consistency of both musical growth and success in all aspects of the program since becoming director at Duluth High School.
Mr. Thompson came to D.H.S. after completing his Master’s of Education Degree at Auburn University. He spent the 2007-2008 year as a Graduate Teaching Assistant with the Auburn University Bands
and was involved in every aspect of the AU Band program. Under AU Marching Band Director Dr. Corey Spurlin, he assisted with teaching marching fundamentals
and drill as well as brass sectionals through out the year. During basketball season, he worked with the AU Pep Bands and was the only Grad
Assistant to accompany the pep band to the 2008 SEC Men's Tournament in Atlanta. As a conducting student of Dr. Rick Good,
Mr. Thompson rehearsed and conducted the AU Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and Campus Band on several occasions.
He was also a performing member of the AU Symphonic Band and AU Wind Ensemble.
From 2005 – 2007, Mr. Thompson
served as band director at Lauderdale County High School in
Rogersville, Alabama. At LCHS, he was in charge of elementary general music, beginning band, marching band and concert band. The LCHS Marching "Tiger" band received numerous superior ratings and "Best in Class" awards in all captions under his direction. The LCHS concert band returned to successful assessment at the district level after an extended absence.
Mr. Thompson received his Bachelor of Music in Music Education Degree from the University of North Alabama. While attending UNA, Mr. Thompson was a member of the "Pride of Dixie" Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and the UNA Jazz Band. From 1999-2002,
he was a member of the Drum and Bugle Corps activity marching with Southwind Drum and Bugle Corps from Lexington, Kentucky. Southwind, at the time, was a member of DCI's Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps.
Mr. Thompson has been active in high school band for several years, writing drill, teaching, and guest conducting with bands throughout Alabama and now Georgia. In November 2007, he served as a marching consultant and instructor for the 2007 Macy's Great American All-Star Marching Band that performs each year during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Mr. Thompson’s professional affiliations include the Music Educators National Conference,
the Georgia Music Educator’s Association and the National Band Association.
He is married to Brooke Hester-Thompson, a Local Store Marketer for Texas Roadhouse Inc. They have a daughter, MaKayla Brooke-Ashton Thompson who currently attends Berkley Lake Elementary School.
You can reach Mr. Thompson by
email. |
