Band Director- Mike Summers
*2020- received the award for 'Five Straight Years with Superiors', from the Florida Bandmasters Association
*2016- Guest Conductor/Clinician for the Nassau County Honor Band in NE FL
*2015- received the award for 'Five Straight Years with Superiors', from the Florida Bandmasters Association
*2012-14, Clay County Band Coordinator
*2012, certified Florida Bandmasters Association Adjudicator
*Directing Teacher for College/University Interns
*2012, Guest Conductor/Clinician for the Collier County Honor Band in Naples, FL
*2009, Received the National Board Certificate for Teachers.
*2008, selected as "Favorite Teacher" from the Sylvan Learning Center.
*Masters of Arts in Teaching Music Education from Jacksonville University
*Bachelor of Music Education from Jacksonville University
*Graduate of Douglas Anderson School of the Arts
*Twice (2006, 2008), nominated and selected to 'Who's Who Among American Educators'
*2004-05 Finalist for Teacher of the Year at GCSJHS
*Selected to the 2006, Who's Who in America
*From 2006-2021, Here's a list of accomplishments of the Yellow Jacket Band Program:
-In its inaugural year 2006, the Concert Band received a SUPERIOR rating at the District Band Assessment. Since that time, the OLJHS band program has been at the top in performance every year.
-550 students selected to the Clay All-County Honor Band
-15 students selected to the Florida All-State Band
-15 total Superior ratings for the Concert Band and Jazz Band from the Judges at the Music Performance Assessments from 2006 to the Present. (big thank you to all our fine musicians from the past who made this possible)!!!!
-TWICE! The OLJHS Concert Band received the Five Consecutive Years with Superior award from the State Band Association (2010-2014 and 2015-2019).
-27 invitations and performances on the Universal Studios CityWalk performing stage in Orlando.
-Jazz Band is the only local school band that has been invited, and performed multiple times at Orlando Magic games.
-The top bands here at OLJHS have performed for thousands of people at various community and prestigious events across the State.
-Jazz Band invited to perform at the Clay County 'Teacher of the Year' ceremony.
-Jazz Band selected to perform at Disney World 2016
-Jazz Band selected to perform at several venues in New Orleans 2016: Jazz Historic Museum, BB Kings, and the Preservation Hall.
-Jazz Band selected to perform at several venues in Nashville 2018: Country Music Hall of Fame, Grand Ole Opry, RCA Recording Studio B
-2018, Jazz Band won 1st place at the inaugural Jacksonville University jazz festival; scoring higher than several other jazz bands including Jacksonville's own Lavilla School of the Arts (2nd place).
-2019, Music USA Festivals: 1st Place Concert Band, 1st Place Jazz Band, and overall Grand Champion beating other middle school bands and high school bands.
*From 2002-2006, Mr. Summers was the Band Director at Green Cove Springs Jr. High School.
Here's a list of accomplishments of the Cougar Band Program:
-Started, and hosted, the summer band camp at G.C.S.J.H.S.
-4 total superior ratings at the Florida Bandmasters Association District Band Assessment
-Superior rating at the Dixie Classic National Adjudicators Invitational
-Won first place 4 times at the Music in the Parks Competition
-Won Grand Champion 2 times at the Music in the Parks Competition
-In four years, a total of 94 students chosen for the All County Honor Band
-1 student chosen for the All State Honor Band
-Bands have been invited to perform at many distinguished events
-Bands have performed at the Orlando Magic game the last 2 years
-Bands performed on the performing stage at Universal Studios in Orlando
*From 2000-2002, Mr. Summers was the Band Director and Church Orchestra Director at Metro Baptist Church and Christian School in Madison, TN (suburb of Nashville):
-Started the band program.
-Worked with many talented musicians in the area.
*From 1998-2000, Mr. Summers was a private trumpet instructor as well as an Assistant Band Director at different schools in the Jacksonville, FL area.
Associate Band Director- Tyler Dunn
Mr. Dunn is the Associate Band Director for the Oakleaf Junior High Band Program. Originally from South Carolina, he is a graduate of Michigan State University where he obtained his undergraduate degree in Music Education and minored in Jazz Studies. Mr. Dunn also earned a Masters degree in music from Florida State University.
Mr. Dunn has worked many years as instructional staff for various marching bands, serving primarily as a woodwind specialist. He has also taught privately for many years and worked as a freelance musician. His professional affiliations include FBA, FMEA, NAFMA, and the National Flute Association.
*"Mr. Dunn has become a fantastic addition to the OLJHS Band program! I am pleased with his work ethic and great contribution to music education here in our community." -Mr S
Mr. Dunn has worked many years as instructional staff for various marching bands, serving primarily as a woodwind specialist. He has also taught privately for many years and worked as a freelance musician. His professional affiliations include FBA, FMEA, NAFMA, and the National Flute Association.
*"Mr. Dunn has become a fantastic addition to the OLJHS Band program! I am pleased with his work ethic and great contribution to music education here in our community." -Mr S