Director of Bands

Bio

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Brendan L. Johnson is Director of Bands at Darlington High School where he conducts the Darlington High School Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Beginner Band the "Total Package" Jazz Band.  Born in Darlington, South Carolina Brendan Johnson attended Darlington High School.  There is where is passion of music developed.  Mr. Johnson served in all band ensembles under the direction of Mr. Ernest Stackhouse.  While in high school Mr. Johnson served as a Tuba Section Leader, Band Arranger, Gospel Choir Director and participated in various honor ensembles such as the Governor's All Star Band, District Honor Band, Region Honor Band, All State Honor Band, Francis Marion University Wind Ensemble and the Florence Youth Symphony.  Mr. Johnson holds an undergraduate degree in Music Education and 2nd degree in Liberal Studies from Bethune - Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida.  He's currently in the process of obtaining his Masters of Education from Anderson University in Anderson, SC.  Prior to his tenure at Darlington High School, Johnson served as Associate Director of Male Initiatives at Bethune-Cookman University where he oversaw all male aspects and activities at the university.

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While at Bethune-Cookman University, Mr. Johnson studied under Director of Bands Donovan Wells and Asst. Director James Poitier.  Mr. Johnson served in various music organizations as an undergrad such as the National Association for Music Educators, Collegiate Music Educators National Conference, and Florida Music Educators Association.  Mr. Johnson was selected as the 3rd Mr. Bethune-Cookman University in 2014 where he launched many impactful initiatives such as the BCU Male Empowerment Summit.  In this capacity, he brought powerful speakers and activists to the campus such as Roland Martin, Tracy Martin, Ron Davis, Smokie Norful, Marvin Winans, Marvin Sapp, Donnie McClurkin and many others.  This became a huge event for the city of Daytona Beach.

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Brendan Johnson is married to Mrs. Tempestt Johnson.  He begin his career at Darlington High School in 2015.  During this time, the band was no larger than 30 people.  Within his first year the band grew to a membership of 75.  In 2016 the band drastically grew in size to a number of 120 members.  The band now stands at an average size of over 185 members.  Under Mr. Johnson's Direction, the bands have made historical achievements.  The marching band has won numerous grand champions at various competitions earning nothing less than superiors.  The Concert Bands have earned superior ratings for the first time in DHS history.  The Jazz band was formed and awarded superior ratings at Jazz Performance Evaluations.  Mr. Johnson has sent over 95 students to college on a band scholarship.  Together, his seniors have earned over 900 million dollars in band scholarship offers over the years.

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Mr. Johnson is apart of various organizations such as Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, National Honor Society of Leadership and Success, South Carolina Music Educators Association and the Minority Band Directors National Association.  He also serves as an advisor of the Tri-M Music Honor Society.  Brendan Johnson enjoys serving as Minister of Music and his church.  In addition to teaching Mr. Johnson enjoys bowling, shopping for his wife, mentoring young people, and traveling.