About Us
Potomac Vally Youth Orchestra - 2022-2023 Prep Orchestra Viola Section
Our Founder
Meet Jeff Johns, a musical enthusiast with deep roots in Jeannette, Pennsylvania, a charming town near Pittsburgh. Jeff's journey into the world of music began in 4th grade, when he picked up the trombone, and his fascination only grew when he added the tuba in 6th grade. Throughout high school, he continued to play both instruments, laying the foundation for his passion.
After graduating from Jeannette High School in 2000, Jeff embarked on an educational adventure at West Virginia University, where he earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Education in 2004. Seeking to refine his skills, he pursued a Master of Music with a focus on Wind Band Conducting & Pedagogy from the American Band College of Sam Houston State University between 2011 and 2013.
Jeff's teaching career took flight in 2004 when he joined Montgomery County Public Schools as an assistant band & orchestra director at Walter Johnson High School. His journey continued at Northwood High School, where he served as the director of instrumental music until 2013. Later, Jeff became a beloved figure at Farquhar Middle School, teaching until 2022, before moving on to teach elementary instrumental music at multiple schools during the 2022-2023 school year.
This fall, Jeff is set to return to middle school as the band and orchestra director at Tilden Middle School, adding yet another chapter to his impactful career. Beyond his teaching commitments, Jeff has dedicated over 15 years to providing private lessons on various instruments, nurturing talented students who have achieved recognition in prestigious ensembles and garnered scholarships.
Jeff's musical influence extends beyond the classroom. He is a founding member and principal tuba player of the Maryland Band Directors’ Band, a group that has left a lasting mark for over a decade. Additionally, he actively participates with the Chesapeake Brass Authority, showcasing his commitment to making music a vibrant part of his life.
When he's not immersed in the world of music and education, Jeff finds joy in spending quality time with his wife and daughter, exploring the outdoors on his bike, and indulging in creative endeavors with Lego bricks. Jeff Johns—bringing the joy of music and harmony to life in every note he plays and every lesson he imparts.
Our Story
At Momentum Music Education, our journey began with a simple request from a friend—a father seeking the perfect summer camp for his fifth-grade daughter, a talented violist within the Potomac Valley Youth Orchestra, much like my own child. Eager to meet this challenge, we embarked on a mission to not only fulfill this specific need but to create an unparalleled experience right here in Montgomery County.
As we delved into the search for the ideal camp, a striking realization surfaced—Montgomery County was sorely lacking in comprehensive music education opportunities. This realization, coupled with my own observations as a dedicated educator within the county, revealed a concerning trend. Time and time again, I witnessed students returning to school after a prolonged break, their instruments untouched or barely played for months on end. The undeniable truth was evident: the phenomenon of learning loss is particularly acute when it involves a physical art form like playing instruments or singing.
Driven by this recognition, our mission became resolute—to bridge the gap and offer a transformative solution. At Momentum Music Education, we are committed to empowering Montgomery County's student musicians with exceptional opportunities that not only uphold but elevate the outstanding music education they receive during the academic year.
Our vision is one of unwavering dedication to nurturing the musical talents of these young artists. Through our meticulously crafted programs, we instill a sense of purpose, provide a platform for growth, and cultivate an environment where each note played and each melody sung contributes to a harmonious journey of skill enhancement and self-discovery.
Join us as we champion the cause of music education in Montgomery County, where every aspiring musician finds their rhythm, and where the echoes of their harmonies resonate far beyond the classroom. Together, let's create a future where the symphony of learning never ceases, and the pursuit of musical excellence knows no bounds.
Jeff Johns Conducting the Combined Maryland Band Directors Band and Northwood High School Wind Ensemble