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DJ McConnell
Director of Bands
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.
SPARTANS
BAND
DIRECTORS
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