About Us
Founded in 1990, the Mid-South Symphonic Band is Chattanooga’s premier community concert band, bringing together over 70 dedicated musicians from across the region. We are a volunteer ensemble made up of performers from all walks of life—professional musicians, educators, students, retirees, and passionate amateurs—united by a shared love of music.
Under the direction of Conductor Scotty Jones and Conductor Emeritus Jim Souders, the band performs a wide-ranging repertoire that includes concert band classics, film scores, marches, and popular favorites. Our concerts are designed to be engaging and accessible, offering something for every listener.
We present several free concerts each year throughout the Chattanooga and North Georgia areas. These performances are made possible by the generosity of our supporters and the dedication of our members, who volunteer their time and talent to make live music available to all.
Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering us for the first time, we invite you to experience the joy of live symphonic music with us. If you're a musician looking for a welcoming ensemble, we’d love to hear from you—new members are always welcome.
On the Podium
Scotty Jones (Director/Conductor)
Scotty Jones graduated from the University of Illinois as the “Outstanding Senior in Music Education.” In 1996, he received his master’s degree in Conducting and Wind Literature at Michigan State University as the recipient of the Kenneth G. Bloomquist Conducting Fellowship. He has taught in the western suburbs of Chicago at Waubonsie Valley High School and Oak Park and River Forest High School as the Music Department Chair. Mr. Jones has also served as adjunct professor of music at Elmhurst College and was awarded the “Music Educator of the Year” by the college’s MENC Collegiate Chapter. In December of 2004, he was awarded the 7th Congressional District “Teacher of the Year” by Congressman Danny K. Davis. He has served as a guest conductor at the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, the University of Illinois Summer Music Program, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Music Festival, Michigan School Band and Orchestra State Conference, Midwest International Band and Orchestra Convention, and the Western Jamaica International Music Festivals in Montego Bay and Negril. As a member of the Westminster Schools faculty in Atlanta, he has received the Schoen Award and the Edward D. Smith Endowed Chair in Honor of Dr. William Pressly for excellence in teaching. Mr. Jones is currently the middle school principal at the McCallie School.
Jim Souders (Conductor Emeritus)
In 1969, after graduating from Middle Tennessee State University, Jim Souders became the director of the Lakeview High School (later Lakeview-Ft. Oglethorpe High School) band program, grades 6-12. During his 30-year tenure, the band program grew to be a respected power, both in the district and state. The band consistently made 1’s in both marching and concert competitions, winning many first-in-class trophies in marching, and the band program had the highest percentage (based on program numbers) of students in both district and all-state bands. The program also enjoyed a large percentage of first-chair players at both district and state levels. Because of its respected reputation, the LFO band was invited to and participated in the 1995 London New Year’s Day Parade.
Souders served as the Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA) District 7 band chair for several years.
After his retirement in 1999, Souders organized the Georgia All-Star Band. This group marched in New Year’s Parades in both London and Paris. Using his expertise in organizing trips, Souders began a second career, as a travel consultant for Tri-State area bands, organizing trips to New York City, Chicago, Toronto, Florida and other destinations. He retired from this second career in 2022.
Souders was asked to become the director of the MidSouth Community Band in 2001 and served as director for 22 years, before stepping aside and becoming associate director in 2023.
In addition to area concerts, the community band has performed at Universal Studios in Orlando and at Dollywood.
