LEADERSHIP
DIRECTOR OF BANDS: AMANDA R. GRIFFIS
Mrs. Griffis is a native of North Carolina where she graduated with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. The university's School of Music is recognized as one of the top music institutions in the United States. During her time there, she performed with multiple ensembles including Symphonic Band, Pep Band, Flute Choir and Percussion Ensemble.
Mrs. Griffis began her teaching career at Sandalwood High School in Jacksonville, Florida where her concert band earned their first Superior rating in over a decade. She later moved to Tampa and taught at Chamberlain High School. The ensembles at Chamberlain High School earned consistent high marks at all music performance assessments including Marching, Concert and Solo & Ensemble. Under Mrs. Griffis, students at CHS were challenged and gained experience in different musical areas including Marching Band, Percussion Techniques, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, and AP Music Theory. During her time in Tampa, she has earned the honor of being a presenter at the 2017 Florida Music Educators Conference in Tampa. Mrs. Griffis is currently pursuing her Master of Music Education at Florida State University.
Erik Hagen
Percussion
Kathryn Brimhall
Dance Team
Kenysha Johnson
Brass Technician
William Brown
Percussion
BRASS TECHNICIAN: KENYSHA JOHNSON
Kenysha was born and raised in Polk County Florida, graduating top of her class from Auburndale Sr. High School. She has been playing Trombone for 7 years, Euphonium 9 years, and was in the Choir for 7 years. During high school, Kenysha received numerous leadership/achievement awards in band and choir, as well as being section leader for two years in band and choir. She was the student conductor her Senior year and also received the John Philip Sousa Award. Kenysha made the All-County Band for three years (10th-12th grade) and the All State Choir two years (11th-12th grade). She also took private lessons with Dr. Brian Brink from Florida Southern College.
Now, Kenysha is majoring in Music Education at the University of South Florida, and is part of both the Euphonium and Trombone Studios under Professors Tom Brantley and Joseph Alvarez. She also participates in Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Bone Band, Trombone Octet, Pep Band, and Ceremonial Band. Kenysha serves as one of the Drum Majors for the Herd of Thunder Marching Band and is a Trombonist for the Tampa Brass Band.
DANCE TEAM INSTRUCTOR & SPONSOR: KATHRYN BRIMHALL
Email: brimhallkathryn@gmail.com
Ms. Brimhall is a graduate of the University of South Carolina where she majored in Music Education with an emphasis in clarinet. While at USC, she was a member of the colorguard and also worked with the colorguard at Chapin HS. Also a trained dancer, Ms. Brimhall studied ballet, jazz, and tap for over 15 years. Her love of dance is what led her to join her high school colorguard and winterguard where she was a soloist and captain. Ms. Brimhall is currently the band Director at Hillsborough Academy of Math and Science.
PERCUSSION TECHNICIAN: WILLIAM BROWN
Email: williambrownpercussion@gmail.com
William Brown is a percussionist based in the Tampa Bay area who has recently graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in Percussion Performance under the tutelage of Robert McCormick. Having worked extensively in solo, chamber, and orchestral settings, Mr. Brown is a diverse performer. William has worked professionally with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the Venice (FL) Symphony, and the prestigious orchestras at the Brevard Music Center in North Carolina. Earlier this year he toured England, Spain, and Portugal with the World Percussion Group, a chamber ensemble made up of percussionists from around the globe that auditioned to be in this elite group. As a promising young soloist, Mr. Brown has won the New York International Marimba Competition, placed second at the Bamberg Marimba Festival, and received second prize at the Great Plains International Marimba Competition. Mr. Brown works with percussionists at local schools, teaches private lessons, and works professionally with touring groups, theatres, and various musical ensembles.
PERCUSSION TECHNICIAN: ERIK HAGEN
Email: erik.hagen@sdhc.k12.fl.us