Clare Bernheisel - Section Editor
Beginning next year, the DHS band program will have a new director and teacher, Justin Russell. Russell attended the University of Tennessee at Martin and has taught at Jackson Madison County schools for over a decade. He has a wife, four children, and six pets. Russell enjoys martial arts, the outdoors, racing, reading, and construction. He is an Eagle Scout and a 2nd degree black belt.
Russell has always enjoyed music, especially the trumpet, and he wanted to be a teacher for two reasons. “I had many band directors come and go in grade school and decided no one should have a bad experience in something they are passionate about,” Russell said. He also wanted to be present at home for his children and family.
Russell has been playing the trumpet for 25 years, and has been teaching for 15. He has high hopes for the DHS band program.
“I want this program to be fun for the learner and the teacher. Find the positives, improve the negatives, and always leave with a smile even on the hard days knowing we can do better tomorrow together,” Russell said.
Russell believes in improving every day and has high standards for achievement.
“I am a very honest person and I have an intense desire for daily successes. If you learned it and played it well yesterday then from that point forward it should always be better than the day before,” Russell said.
In terms of marching band, Russell looks forward to growing the band and improving in competition. ”We are to be an ever-growing family of strength and unity. Band is about the business of performing publicly with the will to follow the tradition of excellence,” Russell said.
Russell has three ideas in mind for the 2023 halftime show. The first is called “Climb,” the second includes hits of the 2000s, and the third is a show custom-made for the band.
With a smaller program and a large majority of underclassmen, Russell hopes to find the band’s strengths and grow as a group through understanding, patience, and persistence.
“I look forward to building a strong program with the students, parents, and the community,” Russell said. I am ready to make some great memories with a great town!
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