Directors and Staff

Our staff represents a wealth of experience and passion in our respective fields

Band Directors

 

Mr. Josh Hobbs

Director of Bands

 

Mr. Hobbs has been at JW Mitchell HS since 2021. He holds the Bachelor of Music in Composition from the University of Central Florida and the Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting from the University of South Florida. Ensembles under the direction of Mr. Hobbs consistently earn Superior ratings at Florida Bandmasters Association Music Performance Assessment for Concert, Marching and Jazz (District and State). Mr. Hobbs is also an active adjudicator, clinician and serves on the Florida Bandmasters Association Commissioning Committee.

In addition to his work as Band Director, Mr. Hobbs is a widely-recognized and highly sought composer whose music has been performed across the country by some of the finest ensembles, including the University of North Texas and U.S. Air Force Band, in some of the most historic venues, including Carnegie Hall. His music is published with Excelcia Music, Neil A. Kjos, Triplo Press and more.

His teaching responsibilities include leading the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Winds, Jazz Ensemble I, Percussion and AP Music Theory.

Mr. Drake Middlebrook

Associate Director of Bands

 

Mr. Middlebrook has been the Associate Director of Bands & Orchestras at J.W. Mitchell High School since 2022.  He previously taught at D.S. Parrott Middle School in Brooksville, FL. for three years. Mr. Middlebrook received his Bachelor’s in Music Education from the University of South Florida. While earning his degree, Mr. Middlebrook represented the USF School of Music as a performer and presenter at multiple professional music education conferences in Florida, Colorado and Texas.

 

Mr. Middlebrook is affiliated with the Florida Music Educators Association, Florida Bandmasters Association and Kappa Kappa Psi, A National Honorary Band Fraternity.

 

His class responsibilities include teaching the Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble II, Colorguard and serving as the Director of Orchestras at JWMHS.

 

Additional Staff

 

 

Private Lesson Instructors

 

We strongly encourage private lessons for the most rewarding music experience. Lessons are not for remediation, but for students who are ready to excel at their own pace. Please contact the instructors below directly. These teachers are well versed in the curriculum and expectations of our program. All teachers try to find lesson times that are convenient for each student’s individual schedule. 

 

Dr. Mandy Swaim, Flute/Piccolo – music.mandym@gmail.com

Mrs. Christina Condon, Flute – christina@condonmusic.com

Mr. Jeff MacKechnie, Saxophones/Clarinet/Double Reeds – jmacke70@gmail.com 

Mrs. Mariah Walukonis, Clarinet – mcmcdona@pasco.k12.fl.us

Mr. Bob Jautze, French Horn – rjautze@tampabay.rr.com

Mr. Larry Harvey, Trumpet – larryharvey5@aol.com

Mr. Eric Aucoin, Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba – edric64@hotmail.com 

Mr. Travis Henry, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba – thenry@pasco.k12.fl.us

Ms. Terry Adams, Trombone, Baritone – cadams@pasco.k12.fl.us 

Mr. Michael Mortilla, Percussion – mortillamichael@gmail.com

Mr. John Keon, Percussion/Drumset – johnekeon@aol.com