JCSO Staff
Jennifer Barnett
Resource Development Officer
Jennifer Barnett is a successful business owner/operator with previous career experience in Resource Development and Planned Giving. She has worked with several other large and small nonprofit organizations to develop resources and fundraising. Her strengths include her ability to develop a plan, meet objectives, and use public speaking
and networking to build strong relationships.
She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from East Tennessee State University and a Master of Education degree from Milligan University. She was born in this area and has deep roots in the community. Living on property that has been in her family for over two hundred years, she spends her free time gardening, tending her chicken flock, and managing her mini fruit orchard. She also enjoys being involved with community projects and volunteering her time and talents in this area.
resourcedevelopment@jcsymphony.com
Abagail Boone
Music Education Program Manager
Abigail Boone earned her B.M. in Music Education from Brigham Young University. She has 20 years of experience teaching early childhood music and private violin lessons. She began playing with the JCSO in 2016 and became principal second violinist in 2018. With the help of multiple grants, she has expanded the JCSO's reach into regional community libraries through programming such as Little Musicians, Instrument Petting Zoos, and Sing-Alongs. She is an active performer in the region. She has 5 children ages 9-19, loves the outdoors, and recently completed Ironman Chattanooga.
Alex McMurray
Stage Manager
Alex McMurray is currently the Stage Manager with the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra, Music Teacher/RTI instructor for grades 5th-6th at Church Hill Middle School in Church Hill, TN, a Private Lessons Instructor in the Tri-Cities, and a High School Band Technician for surrounding music programs.
As a native of the Tri-Cities, Alex furthered his education at East Tennessee State University obtaining a Music Education/Instrumental degree along with an Instrumental Performance degree specializing in Bass Trombone. Alex is currently a Graduate Student at ETSU pursuing the Master of Arts in Teaching degree through the Clemmer College of Education and Human Development.
Alex McMurray has been Stage Manager since 2024 and looks forward for great seasons to come!
Evan Edwards
Personnel Manager
Evan Edwards is a graduate of East Tennessee State University where he received his Bachelors of Arts in Music degree in 2001. He graduated from Liberty University in 2009 with his Master of Arts degree in Music.
He has been a member of the JCSO since 1998 where he serves as principal tuba. He joined the JCSO Staff as Personnel Manager in 2015. He frequently serves as an adjudicator for area marching band competitions as a Drum Major judge.
He also has a private Low Brass and Drum Major studio where for the past twenty seven years he has taught students from Western North Carolina, East Tennessee, and Southwest Virginia.
Bernadette Weese
Librarian
Bernie Weese is currently the Librarian of the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra, as well as the Library Director of the Elizabethton-Carter County Public Library.
Bernie received her B.A. from East Tennessee State University, double majoring in History and Philosophy and double minoring in Music and Classical Studies. She received her MSIS from the University of Tennessee Knoxville.
When she's not working, Bernie enjoys spending her time outside with her family, hiking to local waterfalls, reading, and cross stitching.
Leslie Mullins
Assistant Librarian
Leslie Mullins is a stay-at-home mom of four daughters with a deep love of music, language, and community. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from East Tennessee State University (2006) and a master’s in English (2010).
A former French horn player, Leslie joined the JCSO in 2023 and currently serves as Assistant Music Librarian. She also teaches adjunct English classes and serves as the Hospitality Chair for the University School Foundation, where she enjoys creating welcoming spaces for families and staff.
When she’s not organizing music or events, Leslie can be found reading, running, or trying to finish a thought before someone yells “Mom!”