About the Marching Spartans

A tradition of excellence in music education since 2011

Our Mission

The Summit High School Marching Spartans is dedicated to providing students with exceptional music education that develops technical skill, artistic expression, leadership abilities, and lifelong appreciation for the performing arts.

Our Vision

We strive to be a nationally recognized program that inspires excellence, fosters creativity, and builds character through the transformative power of music and performance.

Our Core Values

Excellence

We pursue the highest standards in all that we do, constantly striving to improve.

Teamwork

We succeed together, supporting each other and working as one unified ensemble.

Dedication

We commit ourselves fully to our craft and to each other's success.

Passion

We love what we do and share our joy of music with our community.

Our History

Founded in 2011, the Summit High School Marching Spartans has been a cornerstone of music education in Spring Hill for over 14 years. What began as a small ensemble has grown into one of the region's most respected music programs.

Throughout our history, we've earned numerous awards at regional and state competitions, performed at prestigious venues, and sent countless students on to successful music careers and college programs.

Today, with over 120 members across four ensembles, we continue to build on our legacy of excellence while adapting to meet the needs of today's students.

Our Leadership

Scott Atchley

Band Director

Scott Atchley, current director of bands at Summit, has been involved with music education since 1992. He graduated from Austin Peay State University with a master's degree in teaching. From teaching lessons to coaching chamber ensembles, Mr. Atchley has enjoyed a large private studio for many years.

As a freelance trumpet player, he has performed throughout the southeastern United States. He has been with the Summit Band since 2016. Scott currently lives in Spring Hill with his wife, Tanna, son, Joshua and dog, S'mores.

Mark Dortwegt

Assistant Band Director

Mr. Dortwegt is a graduate of Indiana University with a bachelor's degree in Music Education and a minor in Jazz Studies. He comes to us from Hillsboro Middle School in Franklin, where he has served as band director for the past six years. Under his direction, the 7th and 8th grade bands consistently earned superior ratings at concert performance assessment. Before that, he spent eight years as a band director in east Tennessee and has served as an honor band clinician for ETSBOA.

Outside the classroom, Mr. Dortwegt loves traveling, hiking, and cycling, and he plays clarinet in the Nashville Wind Symphony alongside his wife Hanna, who is also a band director right here in Middle Tennessee.

Jennifer Tanner

Color Guard Instructor

Jennifer Tanner began her color guard career at Bartlett High School in 2001. There, she fell in love with all things color guard and the performing arts. Jennifer was a member of the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps from 2006-2008. She also marched with Cordova Independent Winter Guard (2007) and Capella Winter Guard (2008-2009) serving as co-captain both years. She was also a member of Mississippi State's Famous Maroon Band color guard for two years (2005, 2006).

Jennifer has taught and directed at many award-winning schools/organizations throughout the mid-south, including Bartlett HS, Collierville HS, Desoto Central HS, Father Ryan HS, Ravenwood HS and Music City Drum and Bugle Corps. She also directs and teaches the Trinity Elementary Mini Color Guard/Dance Team.

Jennifer has a passion for educating students and has been teaching 3rd/4th grade the past 16 years, 13 of these in WCS.

Jennifer married her 2006/2007 Colts seat partner, Christopher in 2010. They have one son, Grayson (10) and one cat, Bauer.

Forrest Eagle

Drumline Instructor

Join the Spartans Family

Interested in becoming part of our award-winning program? We welcome students of all skill levels who are passionate about music and performance.