John Emerson, Director of Bands

Mr. Emerson earned his Bachelor’s in Music Education from Valdosta State University and his Master’s in Music from Georgia College and State University.  Upon completion of his bachelor’s degree, he started his teaching career in Taylor County, FL.  While teaching in Florida, his marching band earned straight superiors and finished in the top ten at the state marching championships.  After a brief stint in the private sector, Mr. Emerson renewed his career by becoming the Graduate Assistant at GCSU.  While earning his Master’s degree, Mr. Emerson was placed in charge of the Basketball Pep Band which finished in second place at the Peachbelt Conference Annual Pep Band Competiton.  He also served as the assistant director to the Wind Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, and the Jazz Band.  Upon finishing his degree, he became the Director of Bands at Dutchtown HIgh School in Hampton, Georgia.  In his first year at DHS, he has almost doubled the size of the marching band and has added a third concert band to the program.  Mr. Emerson also led the Symphonic Band to their first straight superior LGPE performance.  His bands have consistently earned superiors at both marching and LGPE festivals and he has been in demand across the state of Georgia as a clinician for both middle and high school bands. Mr. Emerson lives in Covington, GA with his wonderful wife Kristen and their three children, Jacob, Rebekah, and Matthew Victor Perez, Assistant Director of Bands  Kristen Emerson, Color Guard Instructor Mrs. Emerson has been DHS’s color guard instructor for the last three years.  Previously she worked with Taylor HIgh School’s color guard, dance team, weapon line, and winter guard.  Mrs. Emerson loves working with color guards and pushing them to their full potential.  She has taught elementary school for eleven years and has been awarded many titles.  She was named Teacher of the Year in 2009 at Ficquett Elementary.  In 2008, she won an HP grant that awarded her school with many new technologies. While at Sims Elementary in 2004, she was named Technology Teacher of the Year.  She received her Master’s in Education from the University of Georgia in 2004. When Mrs. Emerson is not working with Dutchtown’s color guard, you might find her at Aerodox where she is their administrative assistant.  During the fall season, she can be found in front of her sewing machine where she is diligently sewing all the performance flags.  During the rest of her free time, she is playing “taxi” to her three children.  Mrs. Emerson is very happy to be working with DHS and looks forward to seeing all of the accomplishments the band and color guard make during the season.