Lindsay Halford has been named the new coordinator of fine arts for Rutherford County Schools, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Richard Zago announced.

The fine arts coordinator position was created by the Rutherford County Board of Education for the 2016-2017 school year to help promote and administer the various fine arts programs within the school district, including music, band, performing and the visual arts.

Halford started her teaching career with Rutherford County Schools by splitting time between LaVergne Middle School and LaVergne Lake Elementary School before returning to MTSU, where she was a graduate assistant with the band program while earning her master's degree.

She spent the past five years in Williamson County as a band director at Fairview Middle School.

"She has a well-rounded experience of working with bands at all levels," said Zago, who specifically cited "her experience working with the band at MTSU and her experience of working with bands in middle school."

Zago emphasized Halford's ability to educate students in fine arts from the time they're in elementary school through their college graduation.

Halford, who said her desire to work with teachers evolved from her love of teaching students, has already begun working with performing and visual arts instructors within the school district since assuming her role earlier this month.

"I love what it can do for them," said Halford, of sharing her own passion for working with students of all ages. She added, "I feel like teachers who are supported will be able to teach more effectively."

Among her initial goals is the creation of a curriculum guide for the fine arts departments at the elementary, middle and high school levels. Though her own experience includes working with the highly-acclaimed Band of Blue at MTSU, Halford said her attention includes everything from orchestra, choir and general music to theater and visual arts - drawing, painting and sculpting - as well as bands.

"I want to get to know the teachers and the arts programs here in the county, see what's going on and assess any needs," said Halford. "I want to start promoting our arts in the community."

About Rutherford County Schools

Rutherford County Schools is an award-winning school district and an education leader in Tennessee. The district is comprised of 46 schools and more than 42,000 students. The mission of Rutherford County Schools is to empower today's students to grasp tomorrow'sopportunities.