Fine Arts Department

Mrs. Tessa Backer

Mrs. Backer is a native of Canton, Georgia. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Georgia Southern University. Her impressive performance background includes musical theater productions, operas, numerous solo recitals, and choral concerts. Mrs. Backer leads the chorus program at both RCMS and RCHS as well as assisting with theater and musical theater productions. Mrs. Backer is thrilled to be a Wildcat.

tbacker@rabuncountyschools.org

Mrs. Amy Jarrard

Mrs. Jarrard is a Rabun County native, growing up in the Persimmon community and graduating from RCHS in 1991. She completed her undergraduate degree in art education from Piedmont University in 1995 where she met and married her husband, Ted Jarrard. They have three boys; Tanner, Brody, and Carver. Mrs. Jarrard taught Art in Hall County for two years and then returned to teach at RCHS in the fall of 1997. Since returning to RCHS, she has earned her Master's Degree in Art Education from the University of North Georgia and a Specialist Degree in Teacher Leadership from Valdosta State University. In 2004, she was selected as the RCHS Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Jarrard's goal as an art teacher is for her students to leave her class with a lifelong love and respect for art and Rabun County.

ajarrard@rabuncountyschools.org

 

Mrs. Georgann Lanich

 Mrs. Lanich is a 1981 RCHS graduate. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education degree and a Master’s of Education from the University of North Georgia, and did  post-graduate coursework at Georgia State University.  She has taught all levels of visual art, middle and high school English, yearbook, journalism, theater and adjunct instruction with the University of North Georgia, Brenau University, and Toccoa Falls College.

glanich@rabuncountyschools.org

Dr. Matthew Leff

Dr. Leff serves as the Director of Bands at RCHS. A native of Toccoa, Georgia, Dr. Leff holds a bachelor's degree from Toccoa Falls College, and both a master's degree and a Doctor of Education from the University of Georgia. Dr. Leff directs the symphonic band, marching band, pep band, jazz band, and percussion ensemble. In addition to his work at the high school, Dr. Leff assists with the band programs at RCMS and RCES. An active member of the Georgia Music Educators Association, Dr. Leff is  frequently invited to serve as a clinician and adjudicator throughout the state.

mleff@rabuncountyschools.org