Andrew Smith

Director of Bands

A native of Knoxville, Tennessee, Andrew Smith is a proud alumnus of Powell High School, where his musical journey began under the guidance of Mr. Jim Kennedy, Mr. Richard Shaw, Mrs. MJ Robinson, and Mrs. Janet Roach. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Middle Tennessee State University, studying under renowned educators Dr. David Loucky, Dr. Reed Thomas, Professor Craig Cornish, and Dr. Christopher Dye. He later earned a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Tusculum University and an Ed.S in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University.

Now in his eighth year of teaching, Andrew is excited to begin his first year as Director of Bands at Farragut High School. Prior to this role, he served at his alma mater, Powell High School, for seven years—four as Assistant Band Director and three as Head Band Director. Under his leadership, the Powell Band Program received consistent Superior ratings in both concert and marching performances.

Andrew's dedication to music education has been recognized with two Fine Arts Teacher of the Year awards and the prestigious 2024 CMA Music Teachers of Excellence honor. He is an active member of several professional organizations, including the East Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association (ETSBOA), the Tennessee Music Education Association (TnMEA), the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), and the Tennessee Bandmasters Association.

Outside the band room, Andrew enjoys spending time with his wife, Rebekah, especially exploring local coffee shops, visiting arboretums, and watching movies.

Rodney Brown

Associate Director

A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Mr. Brown attended Kennesaw State University where he earned a Bachelor's Degrees in both Music Performance and Music Education. While at Kennesaw State, he was selected as a member of the National Wind Ensemble as well as performing with jazz artists Branford Marsalis, Dennis DiBlasio, Jon Faddis, and Jimmy Heath. Additionally, he holds a Master's Degree in Music Education from the University of Southern Mississippi. Mr. Brown has continued his studies in conducting with Michael Haithcock, Joe Hermann, Craig Kirchhoff, Cody Birdwell, and John Culvahouse.

Previously, he taught at West High School in Knoxville and Union County High School in Maynardville, Tennessee, as well as middle school band in North Carolina. Bands under his direction have received Superior and Excellent ratings in both marching and concert settings across the states of Tennessee, North Carolina, and Georgia.

His professional affiliations include the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles, National Association for Music Education, National Band Association, East Tennessee Band and Orchestra Association, and the Tennessee Bandmasters. Mr. Brown is also a performing artist/educator for Jupiter Musical Instruments.

Rodney and his wife Erin, who is also an educator, have twin daughters named Allison and Alexandra.

Mollie McGill

Color Guard Instructor

Mollie McGill is a seasoned veteran in the world of color guard with 20 years of experience in the art form. Her journey in color guard began as a young enthusiast at Clinton Middle/High School, and over the years, she has honed her skills to become a distinguished figure in the community.

During her formative years, Mollie marched with the WGI Finalist Southeast Independent from 2009 to 2013, where she developed a strong foundation in performance excellence and teamwork. In 2011, she furthered her expertise by joining the ranks of the Glassmen Drum and Bugle Corps.

Driven by her passion for the art and a desire to create something unique, Mollie went on to establish Beau Monde Independent, where she serves as the Founder and Director.

Moreover, to her extensive involvement in color guard, Mollie has also pursued academic excellence, earning a degree in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Leveraging her education and entrepreneurial spirit, she currently thrives in the field of advertising where she specializes in running paid ads. Mollie

McGill continues to inspire and lead within the color guard community, blending her passion for performance with her expertise in marketing and entrepreneurship to make a lasting impact on both the artistic and professional fronts

Additional staff members will be added as announced.