I love teaching at Providence High School. It has always been my goal to involve students in outstanding performances in their community as well as abroad. I know that as we work together, we will be able to continue the tradition of fantastic bands at Providence High.

Here's some background information about me.

My music education started in the third grade when I started playing piano and continued in the 5th grade when I began playing trombone. After graduating from Gilbert High School in Gilbert, SC I pursued my passion for band by marching three seasons (1989, 1990, & 1992) with The Cadets of Bergen County Drum and Bugle Corps in Bergenfield, NJ. Our accomplishments during these seasons included being named the 1990 World Champions. While marching with "The Cadets" I developed a strong
desire to follow in the footsteps of our World Class Drill Designer, Mark Sylvester.

The University of South Carolina, Columbia was my home during the early 90's. Go Gamecocks! I received a performance certificate for piano after performing a senior recital in 1993 and graduated cum laude with my Bachelor's in Music Education in 1994.

I began my teaching career in 1994 at Blenheim Elementary/Middle School in Marlboro County, SC. Next, I was Associate Director of Bands at Scotland High School. While at Scotland I began my experience as a marching band drill designer as well as a concert band director. My group (Concert Band) received Superior Ratings at Concert Band Festival in Grade IV. Our Marching Band, Winterguards, and Percussion Ensemble successfully competed at many local and regional contests. I also had the pleasure of guest conducting the Scotland's top band (Symphonic Band) during their performance at The 1997 NCMEA In-Service Convention.

Next, I was the Director of Bands at Forest Hills High School and East Union Middle School in Marshville, NC. The bands at both of these schools received numerous Superiors and/or First Place Awards in Marching Band Contests, Middle School Concert Band Festivals (Grade II), High School Concert Band Festivals (Grade V & VI), and CIPA Percussion Competitions. I have continued to spend my summers developing my marching band drill design skills by writing drill for Forest Hills as well as at least one other marching band each year.

While at Providence High School I've enjoyed working with other staff members, parents, and students to continue the level of excellence established here long before I came.  I've enjoyed personally taking groups to concert festival in both Grades IV and VI.  I've also enjoyed seeing our students excel in marching band.  We've also had numerous students make All-District and All-State Bands as well as attend many other clinics.  Our jazz band, percussion ensembles, and winterguard have also had a lot of success over these years.

I annually travel to several national level band events like Drum Corps International Shows, Bands of America Grand National Championships in Indianapolis, IN, and Winterguard International Championships in Dayton, OH. These events give me exposure to the best designers and performers in the country. This exposure is one of the most important ways I experience continual growth in my designing and teaching abilities.

I currently live in Matthews, NC. My hobby most recently has been finding the cure. I thank all of the people in my life (both at Providence and abroad) that have helped me battle cancer since July of2005. With your help I know that we will continue to find the right treatment to keep me healthy.

If you're a person (either student or parent) that is thinking about joining the Providence High School Band Program, I look forward to meeting you! You'll love our group!

I am Mrs. Sarah Russell, and I am thrilled to join forces with Mr. Jackson and our band program. This marks my eighth year at Providence High School as the orchestra director, but my first year as the Assistant Band Director. I also teach Music Theory I.

My musical studies began on piano at the age of four. I began the violin in the sixth grade at Grandview Middle School in Hickory, NC. In tenth grade, I began private violin instruction with Mr. Andrew Emmett, and it was there that my love of the violin really began to grow.

In 1995, I graduated with honors from Mount Tabor High School in Winston-Salem, NC. After graduating from Mount Tabor, I attended Appalachian State University, where I began college as an elementary education major, but later chose music education as my profession. I participated in the Appalachian State University Orchestra, The ASU Treble Choir, Triple Trio, The Steely Pan Steel Drum Band, and numerous string quartets, both as a violinist and violist. After completing student teaching at Myers Park High School, I graduated from Appalachian in December of 2001 with a degree in Music Education, and was hired to begin at Providence on January 2, 2002.

Since coming to Providence, my groups have consistently received Superior ratings at both state and national level competitions. I am the founding director of: The PHS Orchestra Boosters, The PHS Honors String Quartet/Quintet, Tri-M Music Honor Society of Providence High School, and the recipient of the 2002-2003 First Year Teacher of the Year for PHS. In addition to teaching at Providence, I have also taught at Kennedy Middle School, Olympic High School, and most recently, at Spaugh Middle School, where I expanded their orchestra program from 4 to 32 students in one year. I recently made the decision to pursue National Board Certification during the 2009-2010 school year.

I am a student of Mr. James Dellinger, Mrs. Becky Green, Mr. Andrew Emmett, Dr. Glenn Meugel, and Dr. Nancy Bargerstock. I have gained experiences from countless mentors and music educators and feel very fortunate to have such wonderful resources and friendships across the country.

I currently participate in the Magnify Worship Center Orchestra in Cornelius, NC, where I rehearse and perform monthly as a violinist. I keep a private violin and viola studio in my home. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, playing bridge, and watching NFL football - particularly when the Panthers or the Bears are playing.

I currently live in Stallings, NC with my husband Zack, our one-year old son Eli, and our three insane cats - Grace, Emma and Alex.