Director and Staff – The Ooltewah High School Band

Michael Griffith, Director of Bands

A native of Chattanooga, Michael Griffith currently serves as Director of Bands at Ooltewah High School in Ooltewah, Tennessee. Mr. Griffith arrived at Ooltewah High school in the summer of 2022 having previously served as Interim Assistant Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands at the University of Central Missouri, where he directed the UCM Marching Mules, Pep Band, and Symphonic Band as well as taught courses in marching band techniques, music education, orchestration, and instrumental conducting. Mr. Griffith previously served as Interim Director of Bands and Visiting Professor of Music at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga from 2019 to 2021.

Mr. Griffith holds a Master of Music degree in Instrumental Conducting from the Florida State University College of Music in Tallahassee, Florida, where he taught courses in instrumental music education; served as assistant conductor for the wind orchestra, symphonic band, and concert band; and assisted with the instruction and administration of the world-famous Florida State University Marching Chiefs. Prior to his graduate studies, he taught at Liberty Technology Magnet High School in Jackson, TN and Whitwell High School in Whitwell, TN. Mr. Griffith holds an undergraduate degree in music education and music performance from Austin Peay State University. His conducting teachers include Bob Bernhardt, Richard Clary, and Dr. Gregory Wolynec. Mr. Griffith has been a performing member of Memphis Sound Drum and Bugle Corps from Collierville, TN and Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps from Rockford, IL.

Alyssa Valentine, Color Guard Coordinator

Having a background in dance, when Alyssa Valentine learned about color guard it came naturally to her. In high school, Alyssa participated in both color guard and winter guard at Rhea County High School, holding captain titles for 2 of those years. She went on to eventually join the winter guard coaching staff at her alma mater in 2024. She has always had a passion for seeing others thrive, which is evident in her nurturing teaching style.

After high school, she took a break from color guard, pursuing higher education and eventually moving to Atlanta, GA. She earned her undergrad degree in Theology and her Masters in Business/Marketing. Alyssa is currently using her degrees as the Marketing, Design, & Communications lead at Scatter, a startup nonprofit.

In 2024 Alyssa moved back to the Chattanooga area and is eager to join our team, sharing her passion with the talented members of the Ooltewah High School Marching Band.

Jacob Schwartz, Percussion Coordinator

Born and raised in Cleveland, Tennessee, Jacob Schwartz has been involved with music for most of his life and has been a part of several musical groups throughout the Chattanooga and north Georgia areas, either performing or teaching. Mr. Schwartz has served as the Percussion Coordinator for the Ooltewah High School band since 2024.

Mr. Schwartz started his musical journey at the age of nine years old when he got his first set of drums and began to take private lessons. Throughout his middle and high school career, his knowledge and passion for music increased exponentially. While in high school, Mr. Schwartz quickly became a leader among his peers, held the leadership role of Percussion Captain in his senior year, and received awards for his leadership skills. Throughout his time in high school, Mr. Schwartz often found himself helping and teaching his fellow percussionists and as a result, discovered his love and passion for education as well.

Mr. Schwartz holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Lee University, located in Cleveland, TN. While at Lee, Mr. Schwartz studied with Dr. Andy Harnsberger and grew his knowledge and skills in percussion. Mr. Schwartz developed and blossomed in the area of performance as he was incredibly involved in many ensembles across the campus. Throughout his college career, Mr. Schwartz performed with the Symphonic Band, Wind ensemble, Percussion ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Choral union, and also in many solo, duo, and chamber ensemble settings.

After college, Mr. Schwartz went on to teach elementary music and middle school band at Dayton City School in Dayton, TN from 2021 to 2024. Mr. Schwartz has also worked with several high school and middle school band programs in Cleveland and the surrounding areas.