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ABOUT JEMISON BANDS
The Jemison High School band program is led by Aaron Saxon, and the Jemison Middle School band program is led by Stephanie Chapman. In the past 10 years, the overall band program in Jemison has grown significantly. Starting with just one band teacher, a small room and around 100 total students, the program has grown enough to add a full time middle school band director, an additional larger band room, and now boasts around 300 students in the band program overall. The band program now features several ensembles and classes: two large beginner band classes, two eighth grade band classes, JHS concert band, JHS Wind Ensemble, and the JHS Blue Regiment Marching Band. Band is the largest elective option and student organization at both Jemison Middle and Jemison High Schools.
MEET THE DIRECTORS
Aaron Saxon
Director of Bands | Jemison High School
Aaron Saxon has taught grades 6-12 instrumental music at Springville (2020-2023) and Albertville (2023-2026). Throughout his career, his concert bands have consistently received straight superior ratings at State Music Performance Assessment. As head director at Springville, his marching bands routinely received Best in Class awards, including an invitation and performance at Washington D.C.'s National Cherry Blossom Festival in 2023. While at Albertville, Mr. Saxon aided in planning and executing the Aggie Band's invitation and performance at the 2024 Rose Parade in Pasadena, CA.
Mr. Saxon has also been a member of the 313th U.S. Army Band since 2008. With the Army Band, he has performed across the U.S. and internationally, in places such as Germany, Hawaii, and New York, and at sought-after venues such as The Grand Ole Opry, Talladega Super Speedway, and Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Due to his Operations acumen, he has been a recipient of prestigious awards such as the Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal.
Mr. Saxon is passionate about serving students to grow as leaders and people while cultivating a band culture centered on family, personal discipline, musical excellence, tradition, and pride. He firmly believes his purpose on this Earth is to help influence and mold students to become not only successful and functioning adults, but the influential leaders of our society.
Mr. Saxon graduate from The University of Montevallo with a Bachelors in Music Education, Magna Cum Laude. He performed with the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, and Trumpet Ensemble. During his time there, he was under the tutelage of Dr. Joe Ardovino, Ryan Beach, Nicholas Ciulla, and William Denton.
Stephanie Feldman Chapman
Director of Bands | Jemison Middle School
Stephanie Chapman is a music educator and band director with more than a decade of experience leading successful middle and high school band programs in Alabama and South Carolina. Throughout her career, her ensembles have consistently earned Superior ratings, Best in Class honors, and state-level recognition, while her students have achieved placements in district, region, and All-State honor bands.
A graduate of The University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education, Stephanie graduated magna cum laude and served as Drum Major of the Million Dollar Band. She has also performed as a clarinetist with the Alabama Winds, served as an adjudicator for honor band auditions and drum major competitions, and remains active in professional music education organizations.
Stephanie is passionate about helping students grow as musicians and leaders while fostering a culture of excellence, teamwork, and belonging. She believes the strongest band programs are built on meaningful relationships among students, families, and directors, creating an environment where every student is valued, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.
Stephanie resides in Birmingham, Alabama, with her husband, Nathan, and their two children, Anna (8) and David (12).
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