2016SouthPauldingBook_FINAL

DJ McConnell Director of Bands

SPARTANS BAND DIRECTORS

A native of Douglasville, Georgia Mr. McConnell graduated with a degree in Music Education in 2006 from the University of Georgia. Mr. McConnell was a four year member of the University of Georgia Redcoat Band and a Drum Major for the Redcoats in 2006. Mr. McConnell is currently in his tenth year of teaching and his third year as Director of Bands at South Paulding High School. He previously taught at Houston County High School and Lithia Springs High School. Mr. McConnell was the 2012-2013 Teacher of the Year for Lithia Springs High School and the 2012-2013 High School Teacher of the Year for the Douglas County School System. Mr. McConnell credits the success of his teaching career to the support of his wife, Mary Frances. DJ and Mary Frances have two sons, Ian and Jonah. They also have three dogs (Emma, Jake, and Lucy) and two cats (Bella and Ripley.)

BETHANY NICKELSON Asst. Director of Bands

A native of Sharpsburg, Bethany Nickelson graduated from the University of West Georgia in 2013. She has performed and taught with many different musical groups across the state during her career. Bethany student taught at Whitewater High School in Fayetteville, Georgia and then began her teaching career at Troup County High School. She is happy to call South Paulding her home for the third year. She is engaged to her wonderful fiancé Jonathan Greene and will be married in April of 2017.

Connor Mihelich • Billie Rodriguez • Serena Golden “A Team is a Reflection of its Leadership” We proudly cheer on the Spirit Drumline and its Senior Class of 2017