The band program at Gettys Middle School is currently under the direction of
Betsy Myers and Matt Herndon.
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 Matt Herndon.
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". |
Matt Herndon is a band director at Gettys Middle School and will be entering his first year of teaching. He just graduated Magna Cum Laude from North Greenville University with a bachelors’ in Music Education. Mr. Herndon is originally from Spartanburg, and is a Byrnes High School alumni and participated in their band programs. He has worked with Byrnes High School as band staff as well, Travelers Rest High School as visual caption head, and Gable Middle School as a student intern with their band. During this time, Mr. Herndon began private lessons with individual students at these schools. In the summer of 2019, he participated in Drum Corps International and marched with Music City Drum and Bugle Corps. His primary instrument is euphonium, but also enjoys playing trombone, trumpet, and horn. He also assists with Easley High School Bands. In his free time, Mr. Herndon likes playing video games and spending time with family/friends, trains in martial arts, and loves watching anything Marvel and College Basketball.
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