Philosophy
Band Director
We believe the study of instrumental music is a vital part of our school curriculum and is beneficial for students in many areas of their lives. Learning to play an instrument and being a part of a successful school band fosters discipline, cooperation, self-esteem, creativity, critical thinking, leadership, and personal responsibility. For many students, experience in band leads to a lifetime of participation in music and the arts.
Mission Statement
It is the mission of the Union County Band Department to make a positive difference in the lives of the band members by providing musical experiences and performances, and to assist them in achieving their potential as they develop confidence, cooperation, leadership, responsibility and high standards of excellence and character, individually and as members of the band program.
Mr. Whitt is currently Director of Bands at Jonesville Elementary and Middle School. A graduate of Furman University with degrees in Music Performance and Instrumental Music Education, Mr. Whitt has 23 years of teaching experience in band in public schools across South Carolina. In addition to his public school experience, he served for 13 years as Adjunct Professor of Percussion at Anderson University.
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From 1992 until now, Mr. Whitt has developed numerous Allstate and Region Band musicians and has directed programs, which have achieved the Outstanding Performance Award at both the High School and Middle School levels. He has also served as a marching band adjudicator in North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida, and is currently in the process of completing a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision. In May of 2016, Mr. Whitt was awarded High Honor Teacher of the Year at Tamassee-Salem Middle and High Schools in Oconee County, South Carolina.
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In addition to his duties as an educator, Mr. Whitt has enjoyed a very fulfilling performing career as a freelance percussionist with Greenville Symphony, Heritage Chamber Orchestra, GAMAC Symphony, Asheville Symphony, The Spartanburg Philharmonic, Hendersonville Symphony, Myrtle Beach Philharmonic, Long Bay Symphony and Florence Symphony Orchestras. As a trumpeter, Mr. Whitt has also performed with The Electric City Swing Band, The Don Edwards Big Band, The Barnum and Bailey Circus, The Spartanburg Jazz Ensemble and numerous churches across North and South Carolina.
Mr. Whitt’s pride, joy and center of attention and affection are his beautiful wife, Ashley and his wonderful children Caroline, Zachary, Clara and Jessie. He enjoys hunting, fishing, boating, camping and every chance he can get to spend time with his fantastic family!