After nearly three decades of inspiring students, CHS Band Director, Larry Brown, is retiring. A 2012 CMS Teacher of the Year and 2015 STAR Teacher, Mr. Brown’s dedication has left a lasting impact on countless students. Beginning his teaching career in 1996, Mr. Brown joined Calhoun Middle School in 2004 and became CHS Band Director in 2016, continuing the legacy of “The Best Band in the Land.” “It has been the thrill of a lifetime to work as a Calhoun Band Director. I had the pleasure of working alongside Mr. Michael E. Clark for twelve years as I began my career at Calhoun. You cannot find a better human. I also enjoyed knowing Mr. Harold Summerville and developing a relationship with “Stretch”. I feel privileged to have known the legends who created this amazing band program. Working with Mrs. Sara Webb and Mr. Thomas Osborne has also been a tremendous pleasure, and I have learned so much from them. Lastly, the pleasure of seeing my children, Drake and Ana Cook wear Black and Gold on Friday nights will be with me forever. I want nothing but the best for the Calhoun Band Program. Much love to this amazing band program that has given so much to me and my family.” Calhoun City Schools wishes him the best in retirement.
Calhoun Middle School Band Director Thomas Osborne will take the reins as the new Director of the Calhoun High School Marching Yellow Jackets, also known as the Pride of Georgia’s Northland. Mr. Osborne, a graduate of Jacksonville State University, has been an integral part of the Calhoun band program for the past four years. He has served as the Director of Bands at Calhoun Elementary and Middle Schools, as well as the Assistant Band Director at CHS, working alongside Brown. “Since I started teaching at Calhoun, I have watched my students’ love for music and band grow. I have seen tremendous growth in their pride and confidence in our program,” Osborne shared. A summa cum laude graduate in K-12 Music Education, Mr. Osborne also served as Trumpet Section Leader for the renowned Jacksonville State University Marching Southerners and performed with the JSU Jazz 1 and Chamber Winds ensembles. Currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Music Education at the University of West Georgia, Osborne is deeply committed to the continued growth and excellence of Calhoun's music programs.
Haley Miller, a graduate of Jacksonville State University and a native of Semmes, Alabama will replace Osborne at the middle school. Ms. Miller brings a wealth of experience and passion for music education. During her time at JSU, she served as Head Section Leader for the Marching Southerners Clarinet Line and participated in a variety of ensembles. Her work as a Graduate Teaching Assistant allowed her to gain hands-on experience with renowned programs like the JSU Chamber Winds, Symphonic Band, and Marching Southerners. Together, Thomas and Haley are looking forward to continuing the tradition of pride and achievement that defines “The Best Band in the Land.”
