As we begin to close the 2021-2022 school year, we look to the next school year in preparation of all the things it will hold. One of the things we know for sure we will see next year is Mr. Lee Hopson teaching our students music education as our new ACHS Band Director. Hopson is joining the Golden Bear family as current director, Ms. Betty Patterson, exits to begin her retirement after teaching music for almost 35 years!
Hopson is a 2013 graduate of Kossuth High School and a former student and graduate of Northeast Mississippi Community College and University of Mississippi. He is joining us with several years of musical experience and a passion to take the Purple Pride Marching Band to the top! He said, “My goals for my students are for them to find camaraderie with other band members, learn to work as an organized group and to experience accomplishment and pride in their achievements.” He has served as Head Band Director of Yazoo County band the past two years and worked a combined five seasons with the Tishomingo and New Albany High School bands as Drum Major Coach, Visual Tech Coordinator, Drill Writer, and Visual Caption Head.
Like so many other functions of life, especially high school, band offers students an opportunity to have fun. Hopson believes it provides special chances for students to make music and memories. He mentioned that he was instilled at an early age that education is the key to a successful life. The new director went on to say, “Having teachers who genuinely cared about my future made me want to follow their example. Teaching gives me that opportunity.”
Community and family are big things to Hopson. He and his family are the curators of The Big Chicken in Alcorn County. The Rooster Run/Rooster Rally, held in Gift bottom every third Saturday in June, has helped raise over $150,000 for various charities in Alcorn County/Corinth. His desire is to build a strong community around the Purple Pride to help sponsor growth and long-lasting potential. “My hopes are to grow in participation and establish musicianship and pride for the school and program. Together, we will continue the long legacy, tradition, and excellence of the Alcorn Central Band,” stated Hopson.
We are very happy to be welcoming Mr. Lee Hopson to the Golden Bear Family next year and look forward to seeing all the hard-work he plans to put in. Hopson shares our excitement for his new position next year saying, “I am beyond excited to be back in my home and can’t wait to get started with the Purple Pride!”