History | Directors and Staff | Calendar | Handbook | Band Camp | Media Room | Current and Past Seasons Shows | Photo Slideshows Gary McNutt and Mitzi McNutt Contact Mr. McNutt Gary McNutt Director of Bands Gary McNutt is currently in his 17th year of work with the RHS Band Program. Before coming to Russellville in 1992, Mr. McNutt served as Director of Bands for Winfield High School in Alabama and Associate Director for Rockmart High School in Georgia.  A native of Haleyville, Alabama, Mr. McNutt was a member of the Haleyville High School Band. He earned his B.S. in Education and B.S. in Business Administration from Jacksonville State University, and his Masters of Arts in Education from the University of North Alabama. Mr. McNutt has served as Percussion Coordinator/Arranger for the Jacksonville State University "Marching Southerners" and as Graduate Teaching Assistant/Arranger for the University of Alabama "Million Dollar Band". He has also previously served on staff and as percussion arranger for the Southwind Drum and Bugle Corps. Mr. McNutt presently adjudicates throughout the southeast and is a member of Music Educators National Conference, Alabama Bandmasters Association, Percussive Arts Society, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and recently became a member of Who’s Who of American Educators. He and his wife Mitzi, a kindergarten teacher for Russellville City Schools, make their home in Russellville, Alabama. Jeremy Willis Associate Director Associate Director – RMS Director Jeremy Willis is a 1999 graduate of Russellville High School.  After graduating, he attended the University of North Alabama and marched with the “Pride of Dixie” marching band.  While at UNA Mr. Willis was principal low reed in the concert band and principal horn in the wind ensemble, Jazz/Lab Band, and Shoals Symphony at UNA.  He was the Mellophone section leader for 3 years.  In 2004 Jeremy earned his B.M. in Music Education from the University of North Alabama. Jeremy served 3 years as the band director at Gulf Shores Middle School before coming to Russellville.  Mr. Willis is a member of Music Educator’s National Conference, Alabama Bandmaster’s Association, and Kappa Kappa Psi.  He and his wife Jennifer make their home in Russellville, Alabama.     Scott Stephenson Percussion Coordinator Scott Stephenson is a 1997 graduate of Russellville High School. After graduating, he attended The University of North Alabama and marched with the “Pride of Dixie.” He continued his education at The University of Kentucky where he earned a B.A. in Communications. While at UK , He was a member of the Wildcat Marching Band and Basketball pep band. Mr. Stephenson also marched with Southwind Drum & Bugle Corps and The Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps. He has taught band camps and arranged percussion music for Albertville High School, Vinemont High School, Alma Bryant High School, and Bryan Station High School as well as consulting with Mr. McNutt and instructing at Russellville for the past eight years. Mr. Stephenson, his wife Jennifer and son Nathan currently reside in Madison.   Michelle Hester Contact Ms. Hester Michelle Hester Majorette Sponsor Michelle Hester is a 1988 graduate of Russellville High School and a former Russellville Majorette.  She is currently the Counselor at West Elementary School in Russellville, where she formerly taught second grade for 14 years.  Michelle holds a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood/ Elementary Education from the University of North Alabama, and a Master's Degree in Counseling from the University of West Alabama .  Michelle has three children: Ashley, Katie, and Will. She attends First Baptist Church in Russellville. TBA Color Guard Sponsor     Cindy Coan Contact Mrs. Coan Cindy Coan Tigerette Sponsor Cindy Coan is beginning her 17th year as a teacher at Russellville High School. She is a 1985 graduate of RHS and an alumni member of the Marching 100. Cindy earned her Batchelor's Degree from the University of North Alabama and her Master's Degree from Alabama A&M. She is starting her first year as Tigerette Sponsor. Cindy is married to Reece Coan. They have two daughters, Kara and  Maggie. Cindy has been involved with dance over 14 years. Elliott Gordon Webmaster Elliott Gordon is a 1988 graduate from Russellville High School.  He attended the University of North Alabama, where he majored in Computer Information Systems with a minor in Business.  Elliott has worked with and on computers for over 25 years.  Currently, Elliott is a system programmer for Sunshine Mills, Inc. in Red Bay, Alabama.  He is married to Ponda Gordon, a 1987 graduate of Russellville High School.  Together they have two children, Katelynn and Charlie.  Elliott is involved in the Boy Scouts of America where he serves as Scoutmaster for Troop 39, and is also the Youth Minister for Russellville First United Methodist Church.