Directors

Mrs. Alyse Mourdock is a native of Marietta, Georgia.  She attended Hightower Trail Middle School and graduated from Alan C. Pope High School.  Mrs. Mourdock went on to earn Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Music Education degrees from the University of Utah.  

At the University of Utah, she studied French Horn with Stephen Proser.  She was an active member of the University of Utah Wind Ensemble, Philharmonic Orchestra, and Athletic Bands.  During her graduate studies, Mrs. Mourdock was a Graduate Assistant with the University Athletic Bands and Symphonic Bands.

Mrs. Mourdock loves to play French Horn, camp, hike, and travel with her husband, B.J.  When not outdoors, she can be found hanging out with their dogs, Marla and Garth, and their cat, Bartimus.

Fred Norton is in his 18th year at Hightower Trail Middle School. During his time at Hightower Trail, the 8th Grade Symphonic Band has performed at the University of Georgia Middle School Band Festival (2006, 2010, 2013), the University of Alabama Middle School Honor Band Festival (2014), the GMEA In-Service Conference (2008, 2012, 2018), the Music For All Southeast Regional at GSU (2015, 2017, 2023), and the Music For All National Festival in Indianapolis (2010). The Band program has received the GMEA Exemplary Performance Award twice (2011, 2022) and the GMEA Music Program of the Year Award (2019). The Band also commissioned two pieces: The Impossible Machine by Erik Morales (2006) and Etowah by Brian Balmages (2008). He has received 5 Citations of Excellence from the National Band Association (2010, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2018). Mr. Norton previously taught at Griffin Middle School, where his jazz bands hosted WCLK radio’s “Jazz in the Classroom” project.

Mr. Norton received his Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree from the University of Georgia (2001), where he studied with Dr. John Culvahouse. At UGA, he served on the Dean’s Student Advisory Board, was inducted into Pi Kappa Lambda, and held state offices in CMENC and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. He earned his Master of Music Education degree from Indiana University (2006), where he studied with Ray Cramer and Stephen Pratt. As an Associate Instructor and Course Coordinator at IU, he wrote curricula for four courses, including Woodwind Techniques and the Music Education Instrumental Laboratory. He also co-directed the Bloomington Middle School Honor Band. Mr. Norton earned his Education Specialist degree in Music Education at the University of Georgia (2013).

A saxophonist, Mr. Norton has studied with Sam Skelton, Kenneth Fischer, Otis Murphy, and Tom Walsh. He has worked with numerous Georgia bands as a guest conductor, symphonic band instructor, marching band instructor, music judge, and private lesson instructor. He was on band staff with Lassiter High School (his alma mater) for many years, including the 2002 National Championship season. He has also served on band staff at Pope High School and directed the Pope High School Woodwind Choir. As a member of the Cobb Wind Symphony, he has performed at the UGA High School Band Festival (2010), GMEA In-Service Conference (2003, 2007, 2011, 2014, 2018, 2023), CBDNA Southern Division Conference (2002, 2008, 2018), and the Midwest Clinic (2011, 2018).

Guest conducting invitations have included the University of Alabama at Birmingham Middle School Honor Band Festival, River Trail Middle School’s preparations for the MFA National Festival, and several District Honor Bands.

Mr. Norton serves on the Board of Directors for the Cobb Wind Symphony.  He is a member of NAfME, GMEA, NBA, JEN, GAJE, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.  He and his wife, Darby, live on the Upper Westside of Atlanta with their goldendoodle, "Poppy", and their cat, named "Cat".

Pope HS Band