WLAF features the eight music teachers of the Campbell County School System

CAMPBELL COUNTY, TN (WLAF)- Campbell County is celebrating Music in our Schools month. Research shows that music education is linked to higher academic performance, better attendance, and long-term student success. Elementary music improves listening skills, attention spans, memorization and creativity.

Today, WLAF recognizes and thanks the school system’s eight music teachers.

Tiffany Braden works at LaFollette Middle School and Campbell County High School as a band director. This includes middle school band then High School marching band, concert band, jazz band, and other extra things such as winter guard and drum major courses.

“My favorite thing about music is how it connects us. When I stand up and teach my students, I see how different and unique we all are.  However, when we make music together, that joy and artistry is something we all share,” said Tiffany Braden, Campbell County High School Band Director.

Eric Burrell teaches music at Jellico High and Jellico Elementary Schools.

“During formative years, music is more than something we learn. It’s how we remember who we are, how we celebrate where we come from, and how we stay connected to one another. I enjoy connecting with students and sharing my love of music with them,” said Eric Burrell. Burrell teaches music at Jellico High and Jellico Elementary Schools. By learning about music, students develop skills in creativity, discipline, collaboration, and self-expression that enrich both their personal growth and their connection to the community, according to Burrell.

Martha Freeman with music student Isaeah Chapman.

“It has been very rewarding to be a part of getting music started as part of the elementary curriculum in Campbell County Schools. Elementary Music is now an expected subject for students, and the experiences foster interest in higher level music study. High School Band and Choir programs have become increasingly attractive to students, and more are seeking the credentials to be music educators themselves,” said Martha Freeman. Freeman teaches music at Jacksboro Elementary School.

Carrie Orick teaches music at La Follette Elementary School.

“The music department of Campbell County plays an important role in helping develop myself and countless others to be kind, supportive, and productive members of our community. Having grown up playing in these ensembles, our program has always done a fabulous job of celebrating people from all walks of life by creating a safe and encouraging environment in which to learn. It is a great honor to be a collaborative part in raising the next generation of young people to see what music can accomplish in their every day lives,” said Carrie Orick, Music Teacher at La Follette Elementary School.

Adam Wright is in his 12th year as Campbell County High’s Band Director.

“Throughout my career in Campbell County, I have seen countless changed lives of students. I’ve seen so many opportunities given and dreams achieved. The music programs give students a place to belong, a place to find friends, and a place to find their voice in this ever-changing world,” said Campbell High Band Director Adam Wright.

Whether a kid is a band member for one semester or seven years, I am proud of them for giving it a chance, and I hope it made their lives a little bit better, according to Adam Wright.

“To be a small piece of that means the world to me! I’m blessed!,” said Adam Wright.

Eric Wright is in his 19th year of teaching music in Campbell County Schools.

“When God called me to teach in Campbell County, I found a home. Over the past 19 years, I have taught music at Jellico, White Oak, Wynn Habersham, Valley View, Elk Valley, and Caryville Schools. Teaching music to the students in Campbell County has brought me much Joy. Many of the students, school staff, and parents of Campbell County have become like family to me. There was never a day that I dreaded going to work. There is also a peace that comes from knowing I am right were God wants me to be, and I am doing what He prepared me to do. I am blessed to be able to share the gift of music with the students of Campbell County,” said Eric Wright.

Music is an awesome gift. It can bring joy when you are sad, bring peace when you are anxious, bring strength when you are feeling weak, bring back memories when you are feeling nostalgic, and connect us to our past, present, and future, according to Eric Wright.

Amanda Goins, the music teacher at Valley View Elementary School, and Hayden Ruppert, the Choral Director for Campbell County High School, did not share comments. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-03/31/2026-6AM-PHOTOS SUBMITTED-IMAGE COURTESY OF NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR MUSIC EDUCATION)


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