Our staff
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Jessica grew up in Decatur and had the joy of playing with the Youth Symphony as a young, high school musician. After receiving a BA in Performance Studies in 2013, she pursued her MA in Theater Arts (2015). She traveled across the country for two years performing with a small musical ensemble in churches and community centers. The emphasis of her graduate studies, “Grass-Roots Theater,” and her traveling experience only helped prepare her for joining the Decatur Youth Symphony staff in 2018 as the Executive Assistant. She transitioned into the role of Executive Director in the summer of 2022. She considers it a great privilege to serve her beloved community as well as the organization which has greatly invested in her.
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Bio coming soon!
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Aaron is a percussionist and Decatur native. He started teaching for Decatur Youth Symphony in 2010 and has grown the percussion program to include 200 weekly students in 7 different performing percussion ensembles with an additional 500 students in short term programs and pop-up drum circles. Aaron specializes in symphonic, marching and world percussion. He most enjoys his programs working with students with special needs and the underprivileged youth.
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Bio coming soon!
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Devin Lacy started with the Decatur Youth Symphony as the Rhapsody conductor in 2021. Mr. Lacy has both his undergraduate and masters degrees from Jacksonville State University in Music Education. Mr. Lacy is also an Orff-Scheulwerk educator. Mr. Lacy performs regularly with the Orchestra Sul Ponticello and Twickenham Winds, as well as other groups in the area.
Mr. Lacy is the music teacher at Julian Harris Elementary in Decatur and he was selected as the DCS Elementary Teacher of the year in 2020 and also in 2023.
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Gabbie began classical music studies in 2016 and has experience playing piano, violin, and cello. She has been privileged to perform in recitals, private events, and weddings across the state. As the oldest of eight children, Gabbie loves working with young students and understands the importance of quality fine arts education.
Gabbie enjoys serving the Decatur Youth Symphony through administrative assistance and is honored to help the organization reach its goal of transforming lives through music.