Stephen Mitchell, Director of Music Ministries
smitchell@athensfirstumc.org
Stephen W. Mitchell is in his nineth year as Director of Music Ministries, where he oversees an extensive choral, instrumental, and handbell program for all ages. Prior to coming to Athens, Stephen was Director of Music at Trinity United Methodist Church in Birmingham Alabama. A native of Pensacola, Florida, Stephen holds a B.A. in Music from Birmingham-Southern College. Stephen was a Choral Scholar at Wells Cathedral in Well, England  for four years, where he sang daily choral evensong in the choir. Stephen is in his fifth year as Director of the Athens Choral Society, a community choir of over 80 singers. Stephen is an active member of The Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts where he serves on the design team for the 2011 National Convention previously on the national council. Stephen is number five in a family of six kids. In his free time he likes the outdoors, the beach, traveling and working on his loft - a converted church!

Janis Maxwell, Associate Director of Music/Organist
janis@athensfirstumc.org
Janis Maxwell has been in music ministry in Athens since 1988. She has served at AFUMC for eleven years. As Organist, she provides music for all three sanctuary services each Sunday, as well as organ accompaniment for the Sanctuary Choir. As Associate Director, Janis directs Ladies First ensemble and the Wesleyan Youth Choir. The youth choir sings in sanctuary worship, puts on an annual fundraiser, and tours each summer across the United States. Janis also coordinates the First Light Acolyte Ministry, providing acolytes for all sanctuary services.

  Carol Reeves, Director of Children's Music
creeves@athensfirstumc.org
Carol Reeves has been the Director of Children's Music Ministries for ten years. She holds a Masters of Music Education from the University of Georgia and a Bachelors of Science in Music Education from Auburn University. As Director, Carol's responsibilities include direction of all programs involved with children and music at AFUMC. She directs the Lyric and Celebrate Choirs, coordinates the five other children's choirs including two tone chime choirs, and coordinates a volunteer staff of over 30 adults and youths. Each Sunday, she sings with the children in the Elementary Department and leads music in the Two Year Old Sunday School. In addition, Carol directs a Music and Arts Week for children in grades one through five each summer.

Jason Bennett , Staff Accompanist
Jason Bennett grew up in Athens and has taught private piano lessons for the past seven years. He serves as staff accompanist at AFUMC and as president of the Athens Music Teachers Association as well as state-wide music theory chair for the Georgia Music Teachers Association. He conducts the Athens-based Concordia Chamber Choir and is working on a masters of music in choral conducting at the University of Georgia. He holds undergraduate degrees from UGA and a J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law. His music studies include piano lessons with Richard Zimdars, Martha Thomas, Joey Hokayem, & Margaret Shettel; conducting with Allen Crowell & Mitos Andaya; and voice with Greg Broughton.

Julie P. Caldwell, Comtemporary Worship Leader
jpowell@negia.net
Julie P. Caldwell is currently the leader of the Praise and Worship Team for our contemporary service in Hancock Hall (11:00 a.m.), she also oversees both the adult and youth Praise Teams.  A native of Acworth, Georgia, Julie holds a B.A. in Music from Washington and Lee University and a Master of Music in Composition from the University of Georgia. She writes contemporary worship music and has released five CDs. In additional to working with AFUMC, Julie and the Praise Team have led worship for Annual Conference, retreats at Camp Glisson, local FCA events, Walks to Emmaus and related events, and for other churches.She and her husband Chris are the proud parents of Andrew, born April 23, 2009.