Where Music and Pride March Together
FSHS Director of Bands
Kyle Graves
Kyle Graves is honored to lead the Franklin-Simpson High School Band and contributeto the Simpson County School System of Franklin, Kentucky. Mr. Graves spent his first six years teaching in Paris, Tennessee as the Director of Bands at Henry County High School. Then, as Director of Bands at Casey County Schools in Liberty, Kentucky. Ensembles under his direction have earned “Superior” and “Distinguished” ratings for six consecutive years, including the American School Band Directors Association “Award of Distinction” in 2022. Other accolades include class, caption, and contest awards in marching band; a Winter Guard International ‘Virtual Percussion Ensemble’ Finalist; as well as numerous students selected to district, regional and state ensembles.
Mr. Graves is a graduate of Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, Tennessee. He earned a Bachelor of Music under the mentorship of Dr. Eric Harris, Dr. Charles Decker, and Dr. Jennifer Shank. He and his wife, Lauren, met while marching Drum Corps International with Southwind Drum and Bugle Corps. During his formative years he was a trumpet player in the prestigious Adair County High School Band of Columbia, Kentucky under the direction of Mr. Tim Allen.
Mr. Graves’ educational philosophy is centered on Dedication, Diligence & Discipline. He utilizes the systematic inclusion of these principles to create professional attributes in students and has found these attributes are beneficial to all students, regardless of the vocation they pursue.
Middle School Director
Assistant FSHS Director
Amber Lamastus
Amber Lamastus is the Middle School Band Director and Assistant High School Band Director of Franklin-Simpson Bands. She has been working with the Band Program for seven years. Ms. Lamastus earned her Bachelor's of Music Education degree from Western Kentucky University. While there, she played in the symphonic band, wind ensemble, jazz band, marching band, trumpet ensemble, and the WKU symphony. Ms. Lamastus had the privilege of traveling with the WKU bands to various places in the United States, as well as studying abroad in Austria, Italy, and on a Mediterranean cruise.
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In her time at Franklin, the middle school bands have received proficient ratings at concert band assessment and experienced record numbers of musicians participating in KMEA All-District and Honor Bands. In her personal life, Ms. Lamastus has a wonderful boyfriend, Rick Raaf, and a very spunky German Shepherd named Niko.
We are Hiring for
Fall 2024 Staff
