Band Directors

Briana Curtis, Director of Bands

Mrs. Briana Curtis is entering her fifth year serving as Director of Bands at Peachtree Ridge High School. A graduate of Kennesaw State University and Georgia Southern University, Mrs. Curtis provides a wealth of knowledge in music education techniques and creating a nurturing environment that supports a safe learning environment for all students. 

Jacob Mercer, Associate Director of Bands

Mr. Jacob Mercer is entering his fourth year serving as Associate Director of Bands at Peachtree Ridge High School. A graduate of Reinhardt University (B.ME) and Georgia State University (M.M), Mr. Mercer brings a passionate energy to the Peachtree Ridge Band Program. Committed to artistry and compelling music-making, Mr. Mercer strives to generate musical artists out of every student within the PRHS Band Program. 

Prior to his role at Peachtree Ridge, Mr. Mercer taught Band, Choir, and Music Technology at Lithia Springs HS as well as Guitar and Music Appreciation, and conducted the Symphonic Band at Cambridge HS from 2020-2022. 

Mr. Mercer has extensive DCI and WGI Performance experience with The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps in 2016/2018, as well as with Paramount Open Winterguard in 2019, which was the recipient of the WGI Open Class Silver Medal. Now, Mr. Mercer has dedicated his summers to attending conducting workshops across Georgia and teaching DCI/DCA Drum Corps through the visual caption. In his free time, Mr. Mercer enjoys cooking at home, trying new restaurants around the metro area, and spending quality time with his friends and family. 

Nelson Dean, Director of Percussion 

Nelson Dean is currently a percussion instructor and electronics engineer for Peachtree Ridge High School in Suwanee, Georgia, as well as a teacher in the school’s Social Studies and Language Arts departments. He holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from the University of Georgia.

Dean performed at BOA and PAS as a high school student with the Wheeler High School band program in Marietta, GA. During and after high school, he continued his marching arts career with Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps, UGA Redcoats, Atlanta Quest, and Atlanta CV. In addition, he has competed individually or in small ensembles in national competitions sponsored by DCI, DCA, and PAS. 

As an instructor, arranger, and clinician, Dean has had the opportunity to work with more than thirty programs across the United States, including Southwind Drum and Bugle Corps, Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps, and Q2 indoor drumline. He has been with the band program at PRHS in a variety of capacities for over two decades. 

Alana Curtis, Director of Colorguards