MIDLAND MIDDLE SCHOOL FINE ARTS DEPARTMENT
MEET THE STAFF
JASON THORNE
Instrumental Ensembles
Mr. Thorne has been on staff at Midland School since the fall of 2008. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Columbus State University, and a Masters in Music Education from Kent State University. Mr. Thorne has received numerous awards and accolades including being awarded the Teacher of the Year award in 2014, a GLEE foundation grant in 2012 to name a few. Mr. Thorne performs with the Springer Opera House pit orchestra, and his clarinet quartet "10th & Broadway." With his quartet he has performed across the U.S. in national competitions, and international conferences.
KATTI WALLER
Director of Vocal Ensembles
Mrs. Waller joined the staff of Midland Middle School in the fall of 2015 as the Director of Vocal Ensembles. She recieved her Bachelors of Music degree from Columbus State University in 2015. During her time at Columbus State University she performed in the Opera Reliever of Love and Amahl and the Night Visitors. During her time at Perimeter College she starred in Marriage of Figaro as Cheribino. She has consistently produced ensembles that have received superior ratings at local Festivals and Evaluations. Mrs. Waller has sent students annually to All-State competitions in addition to local honor choir events.
SAMANTHA SIMMONS
Visual Arts Educator
Ms. Simmons joined the staff of Midland Middle School in the Spring of 2014 as the Visual Arts Educator. She recieved her Bachelors of Fine Arts degree from American Intercontinental University, majoring in Fashion Design & Marketing. She also holds a Masters in Art Education with a concentration in Photography from Columbus State University. During her time at A.I.U she studied abroad in London, England taking courses in Museum Studies & Fashion Illustration. She has been a featured artist in Black Art In America (BAIA), various art exhibitions, and her photography is award winning. Ms. Simmons has volunteered and worked on numerous creative projects with former Columbus Mayor, Teresa Tomlinson, The Essence Music Festival, Columbus State University, Sean John, Atlanta's Apparel Mart, The Springer Opera House, and the Coca-Cola Space Science Center to name a few. She is a member of the National Art Education Association and the Georgia Art Education Association. Throughout the year, Ms. Simmons works with the school district and The Columbus Museum's Education Department teaching various fine arts workshops and summer camps. During her 9 years at Midland, her students have participated in numerous art shows and contests and have received countless awards and accolades. Ms. Simmons has 5 children at home and she enjoys sharing her passion for the arts with them and her students.
KATE HARRELL
Theatre/Media Arts, Guidance Director
Ms. Harrell has served as Midland’s School Counselor since December 2014. She received her Bachelor’s (Communication, 2008) and Master’s (Counseling, 2013) degrees from Columbus State University. Participating in theatre in high school and college gave her the opportunity to work in stage management, set construction, and light/sound design. After creating a short film for a school project, she also found a love for Media arts and worked as a camera operator/editor at WTVM, line producer at WLTZ, and was accepted into Long Island University Brooklyn’s Film/Media Arts Production program in 2008. Deciding on a career in public service instead, Ms. Harrell endeavors to meet the academic, career, and personal/social needs of our student body and uses her experience to sponsor JagTV, Georgia Movie Academy, and work as a Director in Midland’s growing theatre program.