COLUMBUS TITAN BAND

The success of the Columbus District 493 Instrumental Music Program is attributed to two major factors--Hard Work & Discipline.  It is our belief that any group can achieve their maximum potential and reach the highest level when the proper work ethic is instilled.  We set our goals to achieve the highest level and challenge students to meet these goals.  The true reward is found in knowing that we have tried our very best to attain the highest level of excellence!

GAE PHILLIPS, DIRECTOR

Gae Phillips is in her 24th year of teaching, nineteen of which have been in the Columbus Unified School District. Under her direction, the Titan Band has grown in size and quality.  The Titan Band has performed at the Kansas Music Educator's Association, has received I ratings at contest for the past nine consecutive years and have performed four times at Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida.

Mrs. Phillips directs instrumental music grades 6--12.  Groups under her direction include Jazz Band, Concert & Marching Band at the High School level, Jr. High Band, Beginning Band, and Fourth & Fifth Grade General Music.  She is also the sponsor of the schools Tri-M Chapter which received the Kansas State Chapter of the Year Award in 2003-04. 

She is a member of Kansas Music Educators Association, Kansas Band Master's Association, Phi Beta Mu, Phi Kappa Lambda, Music Educators National Conference, and National Bandmasters Association, has served as the KMEA SE District Jazz Chair and just finished her term as Tri-M Chair for the State of Kansas.  Mrs. Phillips currently is serving as the SE District KMEA President.  She received the Golden Apple Award from the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce in 2004.

Mrs. Phillips grew up on a farm in rural Columbus and attended Columbus Schools.  She attended Pittsburg State University where she obtained a B.M.E. in Music Education with emphasis in woodwinds.

CHRISTINE LOVELL, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

Ms. Christine Lovell is in her first year of serving as the assistant director.  Ms. Lovell graduated from Pittsburg State University with a B.M.E in the spring of 2011.  She did internship in the Columbus school district as well. Ms. Lovell is a brass specialist and is responsible for directing the brass sections at all levels.  She is a member of Kansas Music Educator's Association, National Association for Music Educators, and Kansas Bandmaster's Associaiton.