Jon Cotton

Mr. Jon Cotton is in his first year as the Director of Bands at Oconee County Middle School in Watkinsville, GA. Prior to this appointment, he served as Director of Bands at Jefferson Middle School in Jefferson, GA for six years. During this time, the JMS Bands experienced growth in size, number of students participating in honor bands and festivals, and consistently received Superior ratings at adjudicated events while playing challenging, high-quality literature. Mr. Cotton also served as assistant director for Jefferson High School where he assisted full-time with the marching band as well as with the concert program as needed. Mr. Cotton was honored to be selected as Jefferson Middle School’s “Teacher of the Year” for the 2008-2009 academic year.

Mr. Cotton is a graduate of the University of Georgia, receiving his Bachelors degree in Music Education in 2005. During his time at UGA, he performed with the Symphonic Band, numerous saxophone ensembles, was section leader and Historian for the Redcoat Band, participated in the Derbies Pep Band, played baritone in the Basketball Band, and sang with the UGA Men’s Glee Club. Mr. Cotton studied saxophone with Dr. Kenneth Fischer, Dr. Camille Olin, and Dr. Ruthie Colegrove. Mr. Cotton will complete his Masters degree in Music Education from Auburn University in August 2011. Additionally, Mr. Cotton is a graduate of Troup County Comprehensive High School in LaGrange, GA, where he was a four year member and Drum Major of the Troup High School “Tiger” Marching Band under the direction of Ray Johnson, a member of the THS Choral Program under the direction of Stacey Hardigree, and acted in numerous productions with the Troup High Thespian Society under the direction of Tim Harris and Cathy Sargent.  As a pianist, Mr. Cotton studied in the studio of Mrs. Marion Longshore for twelve years.

Mr. Cotton is an active member of the Georgia Music Educators Association, where he currently serves as District XIII Secretary/Treasurer and as Middle School LGPE organizer. He is also a member of the National Band Association, MENC: The National Association for Music Education, the Professional Association of Georgia Educators, and is a brother of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. Mr. Cotton has also served on the staff of the UGA Summer Music and Marching Band Camps since 2004.

An Athens, GA resident of eleven years, Mr. Cotton enjoys attending local concerts, Georgia Bulldogs Football, dining in the area’s many outstanding restaurants, and spending leisure time with friends, family, and teaching colleagues.  He can be reached by email or through visiting www.ocmsbands.org.