Michael J. Payne
Gifted/Talented Endorsement, Eastern Kentucky University (2024)
Rank 1/National Board Certified Teacher (2020)
M. Ed Leadership Studies, University of Kentucky (2013)
B.M. in Music Education, University of Kentucky (2007)
SCAPA/Lafayette High School (2003)
email: michael.payne@fayette.kyschools.us
Michael J. Payne is the Director of Bands at Bryan Station High School, where he conducts the Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Percussion Ensemble. Mr. Payne also coaches the chamber ensembles and directs the BSHS “Pride of the Northside” Marching Band and Pep Bands. Other assignments include beginning bands at Deep Springs Elementary and William Wells Brown Elementary. Mr. Payne has served as President of KMEA District 7, representing the music education community in Central Kentucky in this role from 2021-2023. He previously served as Band Chair from 2017-2019 and President-elect from 2019-2021. In 2024, he was inducted into the American School Band Directors Association (ASBDA).
Before returning to Bryan Station, Mr. Payne was the Director of Bands at George Rogers Clark High School and coordinator of band activities for the Clark County Public Schools. Mr. Payne led the band through the transition to the new school building, establishing new traditions and expanding on the proud heritage of bands in Clark County with distinguished performances in Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, Chamber Ensembles, Pep Band, and Marching Band.
Before GRC, Mr. Payne served for three years as the Assistant Director of Bands for Bryan Station High School, leading the freshman concert band and assisting with the marching and symphonic band.
Prior to returning to Central Kentucky, Mr. Payne was a Band Director at New Castle Chrysler High School and New Castle Middle School in New Castle, IN, helping the marching band attain its highest finish ever in the ISSMA Indiana State Finals (4th). Before New Castle, he was the Assistant Band Director at Belzer Middle School in Lawrence Township/Indianapolis, IN.
Mr. Payne has been a Music and Visual Tech for State Champion and Band of America Grand National finalists Lafayette (KY) and Lawrence Central (IN) HS Marching Bands. He also taught as a visual tech with Drum Corps International finalist Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps from Lacrosse, WI.
Mr. Payne lives in Lexington with his wife, Sarah, who serves as the Orchestra Director at Frederick Douglass High School. They have two kids, Olivia and Benjamin.
Assistant Director
Hannah Johnston
B.M. in Music Education, University of Kentucky (2021)
Dekalb High School, IN (2017)
email: hannah.johnston2@fayette.kyschools.us
Tel: 859-422-4606 (Office)
Hannah Johnston is the Assistant Director of Bands at Bryan Station High School. Ms. Johnston assists and leads instruction with all aspects of the band program, including the concert bands, athletic bands, and chamber ensembles. She also instructs 5th grade band at Dixie, Northern, and Russell Cave Elementary.
A graduate of the University of Kentucky, Ms. Johnston studied flute with Dr. Julie Hobbs and performed with the Wildcat Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphony Band, Symphony Orchestra, Bluegrass Ensemble, Choristers, and Jazz Ensemble. While at UK, she was awarded the George Hurst Memorial Award for excellence in music education. She also taught private lessons and served on the staff of various Indiana marching bands.
In her most recent teaching assignment at Madison Consolidated High School, she directed the concert and pep bands, led the marching band back to ISSMA state finals, founded a jazz ensemble and rock band class, taught AP Music Theory, and helped coordinate theatre orchestras and chamber music groups. An emphasis on student leadership, community involvement, and musical excellence led to gold ratings at contests, honor band qualifications, and frequent invitations to perform at community events
Bryan Station Bands 