Smiths Station Bands

Rusty Courson is a native of Phenix City, Alabama and a 1981 graduate of Central High School. While in high school, Mr. Courson studied under the baton of W.T. "Tommy" Binion, serving on the Band Council in various capacities for three years, trumpet section leader, and principal trumpet for the concert band and wind ensemble.

Mr. Courson completed undergraduate and graduate studies at TROY University (AL), receiving the Bachelor of Music Education in 1989 and the Master of Science in Education in 1996. In January 2007, he reentered the classroom as a student once again and successfully completed an endorsement on his Master's Degree in Educational Administration. He holds a Class A Teaching Certificate with endorsements in Music Education (N-12 Instrumental) and Educational Administration. He is currently working towards completion of the Doctor of Education degree through Liberty University.

While attending Troy...[read more]

Jed R. Smart is a native of Lake Harding, Alabama and a graduate of Smiths Station High School where his band director was Mr. Rick Teel. He attended the University of Alabama, where he was a member of the "Million Dollar Band," the Alabama Jazz Ensemble, and the coveted Alabama Wind Ensemble, receiving the Bachelor of Science (Music Education - Instrumental) degree in 2001.

During his time at the Capstone, Mr. Smart held the privilege of performing with such names as Arturo Sandoval, Allen Vizzutti, Jean Pierre Rampal, Ransome Wilson, The Trans-Atlantic Horn Quartet, The Canadian Brass, The St. Louis Brass Quintet, and Guenther Shuller. As well as...[read more]

Rick Teel is a native of Wetumpka, Alabama, and a 1967 graduate of Wetumpka High School. While in high school, Mr. Teel studied under Mr. Truman Welch and Dr. Edd Jones as a member of the legendary Elmore County Band, which at that time combined students from Wetumpka and Elmore County High Schools.

Mr. Teel is a graduate of Auburn University, receiving the Bachelor of Music Education degree in 1972. As an Auburn student, Mr. Teel was a member of the Auburn University Marching and Symphonic Bands, performing under Dr. W.H. "Bodie" Hinton and Dr. Bill Walls. He was also the drummer for the renowned Auburn Knights during this time.

To complete degree requirements for graduation, Mr. Teel did his student teaching at Smiths Station High School. He was hired to return the next year as band director, and retired in 2000 after 28 years of service to the students of Smiths Station, completing his entire degree at one institution. During that length of time, the band more than quadrupled in size, consistently receiving Superior Ratings as well as winning countless Best in Class, Grand Champion Awards, and other accolades.

Since retirement, Mr. Teel has continued to teach sixth grade beginning band at Smiths Station Intermediate School on a part time basis, as well as serving as the golf coach.

Lacy Hackney is a native of Lanett, Alabama and a 2002 graduate of Lanett High School. While in high school, Mrs. Hackney was a majorette in the marching band and played the flute in the concert band.

After graduating high school, Mrs. Hackney attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham where she completed her undergraduate studies in 2007 and received a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education, English Language Arts.

Mrs. Hackney currently resides in Valley, Alabama with her husband Ben and two dogs Homie and Bryant. She teaches 9th grade English at Smiths Station High School and is working toward her Master's Degree in Education. Mrs. Hackney enjoys going to the beach, watching movies, spending time with friends and family, playing with her dogs, and watching Alabama football.