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About me

Industry	Arts
Location	Acworth, GA, United States
Interests	About the Orchestra Program: Durham Middle School is part of the Cobb County school system just outside of Atlanta, Georgia. The Durham Middle School Orchestra is open to all students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. The orchestra consists of students on violin, viola, cello, and double bass. The Durham orchestra program currently enrolls over 300 young musicians and is under the direction of Jennifer Aikey. Typically, our students sign up for orchestra in 6th grade and begin to learn their instrument of choice in our daily orchestra class. Outside of class, we enjoy opportunities to perform in public. Whether it is an evening concert at Durham or an off-site performance, we always make fun memories that make the middle school experience an enjoyable one. Some of our ventures in the past few years include: Disney Magic Music Days in Orlando, UGA Junior OrchFest, performances inside the Georgia State Capitol, Fiddlers performances at local festivals, and participation in the ASTA convention in downtown Atlanta.
Favorite movies	About the Orchestra Director: Mrs. Jennifer Aikey (last name pronounced eye-key) started her musical journey at the age of 10 when starting violin through the Richmond County Orchestra program in Augusta, GA, her hometown. At the age of 12, she picked up the guitar and began writing songs, and has been a singer-songwriter ever since. Throughout her teens, she also picked up several more instruments. An avid music lover of ALL types, she has played many genres and styles of music in her life and has played with many orchestras, rock bands, and other performing groups. Mrs. Aikey received her Bachelors degree from Augusta University as a Music Education major, where she studied violin with Dr. Laura Tomlin. She also obtained her Masters of Music Education from Florida State University in 2016. Mrs. Aikey began teaching (part-time) in 2011 as a strings teacher at East Aiken School for the Arts in Aiken, SC while completing her college degree. Mrs. Aikey also taught private lessons on violin, viola, guitar, and mandolin before moving to the Atlanta area. Mrs. Aikey was the Assistant Orchestra Director at Durham from 2013-2015, and has been Director of Orchestras at Durham since 2015. Mrs. Aikey lives in Acworth with her husband Ben, four-year-old daughter Claire, a dog named Stormy, and a cat named Merlin. Ms. Aikey also enjoys listening to live music, coffee, spending time with her family, and traveling!
Favorite music	About our Assistant Orchestra Director: Bobby Crosby is currently in his 15th year as a music educator and in his first year as Assistant Orchestra Director at Durham Middle School. Prior to his appointment to Durham, Mr. Crosby served as a Band and Orchestra director and percussion instructor for the Hillgrove High School marching band, percussion ensemble, and steelband. He is also a private teacher through the Hillgrove Music Institute. From 2002-2013, Mr. Crosby was the percussion coordinator for the Trion High School marching band, symphonic bands, percussion ensemble, and steelband. He has been a percussion clinician in the southeast for many years and is currently a percussion educator with Atlanta CV Drum and Bugle Corps and CV Indoor. Mr. Crosby obtained a Master’s Degree in Music Education as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance and Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Valdosta State University. While attending Valdosta State University, he studied percussion with Dr. David Morris, Dr. Nicholas V. Holland III, and Mr. Paul Campiglia. From 2000-2006, Mr. Crosby performed with the world percussion trio, Ritmo Blu and performed with Starlift Steel Orchestra in Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies. In 1986, Mr. Crosby began performing professionally as a steel pannist and percussionist. He has shared the staged with steel pan artists Andy Narell, Jeff Narell, Robert Greenidge, Ray Holman, Liam Teague, and Tom Miller. Mr. Crosby’s professional affiliations include Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Percussive Arts Society, NAfME, and GMEA. Mr. Crosby resides in Cobb County with his wife, Amy, and their daughter, Marley.