By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

Chilton County High School hosted a meet and greet for new band director Ashlee Robinson on June 29.

Robinson completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education at Troy University.

“I grew up in a town kind of similar to this, it called Seale, Alabama. It’s right outside

Phenix City,” Robinson said.

During her graduate work, Robinson was a band graduate assistant in the school of music.

“I was in an administrative position and a logistics position which really helped me get some good feet work out there doing for band,” Robinson said.

This is Robinson’s first job since completing her degree. She taught band at Phenix City as part of completing her degree.

“I was only in band throughout my entire high school career because if I did a sport, I would have to split my time and I couldn’t deal with that,” Robinson said.

Robinson said she also strives to be genuine in everything she does.

Robinson was approved by the Chilton County Board of Education on June 29.  She said it was the friendliness of the Chilton county High School staff and those who interviewed her that made her want to work for the school.

“It just felt right,” Robinson said. “I felt welcome, and the overwhelming joy in my call back for my second interview and my phone call for acceptance.”

She said administrative support is very important to her as a band director.

“Administration, up front from day one has been so kind and supportive and open to me coming in as a new teacher as a new band director to a program that has been established,” Robinson said.

A panel of parents, boosters and students was involved in the interview process. The recommendation for Robinson was unanimous.

“I am extremely excited about her,” CCHS booster club president Chris Speaks said.

Robinson first joined her school band in sixth-grade.

“It was a social thing initially, then I found out …. I’m kind of good at this,” Robinson said.

Her enjoyment of participating in band increased.

When she began looking at careers, she chose music education as a way to combine her leadership skills and her love of band.

“I love sharing what I am passionate about with students who might not understand or know as much as I do, … and they get that joy like I did or that ‘aha’ moment that’s why I do it,” Robinson said.

Robinson plays the trumpet primarily, but has also played the flute for a year and a half.

She also has some experience with the clarinet, obo and percussion.