Jonathan Faust - ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

B.M. Instrumental Music Education, University of South Alabama, May 2014

M.M. Instrumental Music Education, University of South Alabama, December 2022

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Mr. Jonathan Faust, Assistant Band Director at Spanish Fort High School, graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of South Alabama with both a bachelor's and master’s degree in Music Education (2014 and 2022 respectively). During his collegiate career, Mr. Faust performed in groups such as The Jaguar Marching Band, The USA Wind Ensemble, The USA Symphony Orchestra, guest performed with the Mobile Symphony Youth Orchestra, and held the positions Vice President and Music Director of the Epsilon Delta Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity. 

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Two years prior to his appointment at Spanish Fort, Mr. Faust taught at Mary G. Montgomery High School where he served as Assistant Band Director. At Mary G. Montgomery, Mr. Faust enjoyed teaching Concert and Jazz Band, AP Theory, and Percussion Ensemble.  

 

At Spanish Fort High, Mr. Faust enjoys teaching AP Music Theory, sponsoring the Model United Nations Club, assisting in teaching duties of the band program, and chairing the Fine Arts Department. 

 

Mr. Faust is an active member in the National Association for Music Education, The Alabama Bandmasters Association, The International Percy Grainger Society, The International Trombone Association, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity.

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Natalie Hughes - SFMS DIRECTOR

B.M. Instrumental Music Education

B.M. Trumpet Performance, Florida State University, 2004

M.M Trumpet Performance, The Boston Conservatory, 2006

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Natalie Hughes grew up in Miami, Florida, and after moving to Mobile in high school, graduated from Davidson High School.  She received her bachelors degrees in music education and trumpet performance from Florida State University.  She then went on to receive her Masters degree in trumpet performance from The Boston Conservatory.  Ms. Hughes began her teaching career in 2006, at Alba Middle School in Bayou la Batre, Alabama, where she was chosen as Teacher of the Year in 2013. After teaching at Alba until 2017, she then moved to Semmes Middle School in Semmes, Alabama. 

 

Since 2013, Ms. Hughes has served on the faculty of the University of Mobile as Instructor of Trumpet.  Along with her teaching duties, Ms. Hughes is also an active performer throughout the Gulf Coast region, including performances with the Mobile Symphony, and also maintains an active private trumpet studio.

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Ms. Hughes is a member of the Alabama Bandmasters Association (ABA), Alabama Music Educators Association (AMEA), National Association for Music Educators (NAfME), and the International Trumpet Guild (ITG).

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Ashley Cummings - 6th GRADE DIRECTOR

Bachelor Music Education, Auburn University

Master Music Education, University of Southern Mississippi

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Ashley Tyler Cummings was appointed to launch the sixth grade band programs at Rockwell Elementary School, Spanish Fort Elementary School, and Stonebridge Elementary School in 2022.  She previously served as Band Director at Central Baldwin Middle School in the hub of Baldwin County from 2007 to 2022.  While at CBMS, the Band program consistently grew in numbers and quality each year, receiving superior ratings at district, state, and regional music events.  While in Baldwin County, Mrs. Cummings also taught the first band programs at Loxley Elementary School and Rosinton School and aided in local high school band programs including guard and dance choreogaphy and design.  Prior to coming to Baldwin County, she served as the Assistant Band Director at Homewood Middle School and Homewood High School, where her band performed for the Alabama Music Educators Association State Conference.  In addition to her duties as assistant band director, she also served as the Homewood High School Auxiliary Coordinator and Choreographer and conducted the show choir and jazz bands.  

Originally from Lakeland, Florida, Mrs. Cummings grew up in Brewton, Alabama and graduated from T. R. Miller High School.  She completed the Bachelor of Music Education degree from Auburn University.  While in Auburn, Mrs. Cummings was a member of the Auburn University Symphonic Band, Marching Band, Flute Ensemble, and also participated in the Auburn Community Orchestra.  In addition, Mrs. Cummings performed with the Auburn University Campus Band where she served as undergraduate conductor.  Mrs. Cummings worked on the Auburn University band staff as an undergraduate assistant and served as flute section leader for two years.  Mrs. Cummings served as the Alabama Collegiate Secretary for the National Association for Music Education for two years as well as President of the Auburn University NAfME chapter.  She is also a charter member for the Kappa Phi chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity.  She completed her Master of Music Education degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and has continued with post-graduate and doctoral work there as well. 

In addition to her duties as band director, Mrs. Cummings has performed with the Baldwin Pops Band.  She has served as a presenter and clinician for the Alabama Music Educators Association as well as for NAfME’s Biennial Music Educators National Conference.  She continues to serve as an active clinician, adjudicator, and teacher throughout the southeast region.
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Mrs. Cummings’ professional affiliations include the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), National Band Association, Alabama Bandmasters Association, Tau Beta Sigma and Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity.