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Director of Bands
Todd M. Manson
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| Mr. Manson has been the Director of Bands at Ola High School since the school's opening in 2006. In the short history of Ola High School, the band program has taken hold as one of the strongest in Henry County. Prior to his appointment at Ola High School, Mr. Manson spent five years at Jonesboro High School: two years as the Assistant Director of Bands and three years as Fine Arts Department Chair and Director of Bands. Mr. Manson received a citation of excellence from the National Band Association in 2004 when his JHS Wind Symphony performed at the Southeastern United States Band Clinic. In 2005 he was recognized as the Star Teacher for JHS and was also selected for inclusion in the 2005-2006 edition of "Who's Who in American Education". At JHS Mr. Manson's wind ensembles continually received superior ratings, and his student musicians consistently made District Honor Bands and All-State Bands.
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| Mr. Manson received his Bachelors in Music Education from Troy State University in 2001 and his Masters in Music Education from the University of Georgia in 2007. While at Troy State University (1998-2001), Mr. Manson had the privilege to study with composers and arrangers Robert W. Smith, Ralph Ford, and Paula Williams.
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| In addition to his many responsibilities as band director, Mr. Manson has served as a percussion performer, clinician, writer, and arranger throughout the Southern United States. Furthermore, Mr. Manson has a long-standing relationship with DCI and WGI performing ensembles. He has had prior memberships in the Magic of Orlando, Spirit of Atlanta, and Escape Indoor Percussion Ensemble. Mr. Manson holds professional affiliations with MENC, NBA, Percussive Arts Society, and GMEA.
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| Mr. Manson resides in McDonough, Georgia with his wife, Deborah, and his adventurous puppies, Gracie and Jack.
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Assistant Director of Bands
Matthew "Bo" Sodders
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| Mr. Sodders graduated cum laude in 2007 with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio. While at BGSU, he was an advocate for music by participating in the Falcon Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, and BGSU Philharmonic. Along with multiple chamber ensembles, he was also a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and the Ohio Collegiate Music Education Association. In addition, Mr. Sodders worked extensively with the Maumee High School Marching Band and Winter Guard programs, which consistently participated at OMEA State Competition and MEPA Championships. He was also a clinician for the Fred J. Miller Summer Clinics, teaching both conducting and leadership classes.
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| Mr. Sodders was a five year member of the Glassmen Drum and Bugle Corps from Toledo, Ohio. Within the corps he filled in many leadership positions, including Drum Major. He was the 2006 recipient of the Jim Jones Leadership Award through Drum Corps International. Also, Mr. Sodders was an active musician around the Toledo, Ohio area. He performed with several brass quintets and solo performances.
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