The band program at Gettys Middle School is currently under the direction of
Betsy Myers and Hunter Hiland.
The overall band program has received 10 Superior ratings at SC Concert Performance Assessment since 2014, 9 of those "With Distinction" which designates a perfect score across all judges, and has also received the SC Band Directors Association’s Outstanding Performance Award every year since 2016, which is the highest award given by the association. We also have an active jazz band, which performs at SC Jazz Ensemble Performance Assessment, as well as routinely performing for the community.
While we are fortunate to have many musical accolades, our main objective is to build fantastic future citizens through the concepts found in instrumental music. These concepts include ideals of
personal responsibility, integrity, commitment, cooperation, and leadership. We look forward to working with all of our students to build great musicians, but even better people.
Betsy Myers and Hunter Hiland.
The overall band program has received 10 Superior ratings at SC Concert Performance Assessment since 2014, 9 of those "With Distinction" which designates a perfect score across all judges, and has also received the SC Band Directors Association’s Outstanding Performance Award every year since 2016, which is the highest award given by the association. We also have an active jazz band, which performs at SC Jazz Ensemble Performance Assessment, as well as routinely performing for the community.
While we are fortunate to have many musical accolades, our main objective is to build fantastic future citizens through the concepts found in instrumental music. These concepts include ideals of
personal responsibility, integrity, commitment, cooperation, and leadership. We look forward to working with all of our students to build great musicians, but even better people.
About the Directors
|
Elizabeth (Betsy) Myers is a National Board certified band director with 12 years experience teaching band at the middle school level. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of South Carolina with her Bachelor of Music in Music Education as well as a Performance Certificate in French Horn. Following graduation, she became the Band Director for Belton and Honea Path Middle Schools, where she taught for 5 years before moving to Gettys Middle School in Easley, SC. In 2017, she completed her Master's of Instrumental Conducting degree from the American Band College of Sam Houston State University. In 2023, she also earned her National Board certification in instrument music education. While currently the band director at Gettys Middle school, she is also adjunct professor of horn at Anderson University, and the former professor of horn at Clemson University.
In addition to teaching, Mrs. Myers is a frequent performer with several regional orchestras and chamber ensembles. She resides in Easley with her husband, Garrett, and puppy, "Percy". |
Hunter Hiland is a band director at Gettys Middle School and will be entering his first year of teaching. He just graduated from Anderson University with a bachelor’s in Music Education. Mr. Hiland is originally from Royston, Georgia. He has worked with Palmetto High School as the Wood-Wind Caption head. He has also done many private lessons and multiple percussion workshops with schools in the area. Mr. Hiland is a double primary with his primary instruments being Saxophone and Percussion. He is well-versed in the 4 primary saxophones and doesn’t have a preference between them, and when it comes to percussion he likes to think of himself as more of a Timpanist but still enjoys all percussion instruments.
In his free time, Mr. Hiland likes playing disc golf or regular golf, hiking with his friends, playing video games, watching comedy movies, and hanging out with his pet lizard, Bumi. |