Our Christian faculty members are degreed and/or have extensive experience in their areas of instruction.
Directors
Ryan Leffel - Mr. Leffel has been the Minister of Music at FBC Athens since October 2004. He has a Master of Music in Conducting from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Music in Church Music from Oklahoma Baptist University.
Betty Dean Newman - Dr. Newman has a doctorate in Instructional Leadership from the University of Alabama. Her undergraduate and master's degree are in elementary education. She has 30 years of teaching experience as a professor in teacher education and in elementary classrooms. She served as church pianist and organist for over 30 years and still fills those positions when needed. She has also served as children's choir coordinator.
Instructors
Piano
Paul Hammond
Paul has a Bachelor of Music Education from Liberty University, 1983 and most recently taught at Christ Church UMC School of Fine Arts in Birmingham, AL. Paul has also developed his own method or curriculum called "Fastrak." It is a blending of traditional teaching methods, Suzuki and Paul's own dexterity exercises to move a student quickly along the paces of the piano. The "Fastrak" program has a heavy emphasis on hand position, dexterity, ear training and speed. Practice is a requirement for the program.
Ruth Moyers
Ruth has a Bachelor of Science in Education for Athens State College, 1982. She is currently the Organist and Director of Church Music at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church Athens, Alabama. Ruth has taught piano and organ since 1991. Ruth also has a Lifetime Texas Certification in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education and has held an Alabama teaching certificate in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education.
Organ
Jane Barnett
First Baptist Church Athens Organist
Guitar
John Tinger
34 years playing experience, 3 years teaching experience at New Song School of Music, Madison, Alabama
