Mark Knauss is the Associate Director of Bands at Thompson High School. He directs WarrCorps: the Thompson Pep Band, THS Symphonic Band, THS Jazz Lab Band, and co-directs the award-winning THS Marching Southern Sounds. Currently, Mr. Knauss is a doctoral student at William Carey University. He holds a Master of Arts in Music Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Jacksonville State University. Previously, Mr. Knauss was the Director of Bands at Mary G. Montgomery High School (7A) in Mobile, Alabama. Mr. Knauss' bands consistently achieve top ratings and have performed at national events such as the 100th Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade. Additionally, Mr. Knauss helped organize bands in major events like the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament in Indianapolis, IN and the OVC Basketball Tournament in Nashville, TN. During his time with JSU Jazz, Mr. Knauss performed on two albums - including the Downbeat Magazine award-winning album, Everything In Its Right Place. His professional affiliations include: the National Association for Music Education, Alabama Music Educator Association, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Kappa Kappa Psi, and the National Band Association.