Holly Beck, a native of Miami, Florida, has been director of choral music at Horn Lake High School since 2006. Prior to teaching at Horn Lake High, she taught music for four years at Walls Elementary, and choral music for five years at Horn Lake Middle. During the 2013-2014 school year she took over the choral duties at both Horn Lake Middle and Horn Lake High. During the 2014-2015 school year the co-director position was created and team teaching began. She graduated in 1996 with a Bachelors Degree in Music Education from Lee University, Cleveland, TN and in 2008 with a Masters Degree in Music Education from the Florida State University. During her time at FSU she had the opportunity to study at the Tallahassee campus with Dr. Judy Bowers and Dr. Kevin Fenton and at the London campus with Dr. Cliff Madsen and Dr. Andre’ Thomas. She has served as the Mississippi District II Chair at both the middle school and high school levels and as the MHSAA choral secretary for the state of Mississippi. She is a former board member of the Mississippi Chapter of the American Choral Director's Association (ACDA) as the Repertoire & Standards Chair for Womens Choirs; a position that included serving as All-State Womens Honor Choir Chair. Ms Beck was awarded the Ernestine Ferrell Award for Excellence in Choral Music in 2022 - a prestigious state wide award honoring the memory of Mississippi's longtime state supervisor of Music. Ms Beck resides in Olive Branch with her precious 'child' - Phoebe the dog.
Kathrine Gaines is a graduate of Horn Lake High School and was an active part of the Choral Program here at Horn Lake for many years! She is very thrilled to have returned "home."
Mrs. Gaines graduated magna cum laude from the University of Mississippi in 2021, where she received her B.M.E. in Vocal Music Education. During her time at the University of Mississippi, she was a member of the Ole Miss Concert Singers, Women’s Glee, and University Singers.
Mrs. Gaines taught general music for two years at Horn Lake Intermediate School, where she also formed an after school choir that performed periodically with Horn Lake Middle and High School(s).
Mrs. Gaines is the current conductor of CoroNino, the children's choir within the MidSouth Music Institute/CoroRio.
Mrs. Gaines is passionate about providing all singers, regardless of race, background, or socio-economic status, with a music education. She believes that a music education provides a multitude of experiences that are necessary for students to grow into well-rounded and considerate adults who play a functioning role in society.
Mrs. Gaines is married to Joseph Gaines, who is the Director of Choral Activities at Lewisburg Middle School. They currently reside in Olive Branch, MS. They have 2 precious kitties named O'Malley & Clyde, and a dog named Bonnie!
Mrs. Gaines graduated magna cum laude from the University of Mississippi in 2021, where she received her B.M.E. in Vocal Music Education. During her time at the University of Mississippi, she was a member of the Ole Miss Concert Singers, Women’s Glee, and University Singers.
Mrs. Gaines taught general music for two years at Horn Lake Intermediate School, where she also formed an after school choir that performed periodically with Horn Lake Middle and High School(s).
Mrs. Gaines is the current conductor of CoroNino, the children's choir within the MidSouth Music Institute/CoroRio.
Mrs. Gaines is passionate about providing all singers, regardless of race, background, or socio-economic status, with a music education. She believes that a music education provides a multitude of experiences that are necessary for students to grow into well-rounded and considerate adults who play a functioning role in society.
Mrs. Gaines is married to Joseph Gaines, who is the Director of Choral Activities at Lewisburg Middle School. They currently reside in Olive Branch, MS. They have 2 precious kitties named O'Malley & Clyde, and a dog named Bonnie!
Mr McDowell will be on sabbatical for the 2023-2024 school year. Although we not see him on a daily basis at school, we will see him throughout the year at various events & performances!
Victor McDowell is a native of Batesville, Mississippi where he graduated from South Panola High School. After graduating high school, he began his music education journey at Northwest Mississippi Community College earning his Associate's Degree in 2017 and Delta State University earning his Bachelor's Degree in 2019. He completed his teaching internship here at Horn Lake and was graced with the opportunity to continue teaching with the 'dynamic duo'. Mr McDowell is currently working on completing his Masters degree in Music Education at Florida State University. Mr McDowell resides in Batesville with his son, Christian.
Victor McDowell is a native of Batesville, Mississippi where he graduated from South Panola High School. After graduating high school, he began his music education journey at Northwest Mississippi Community College earning his Associate's Degree in 2017 and Delta State University earning his Bachelor's Degree in 2019. He completed his teaching internship here at Horn Lake and was graced with the opportunity to continue teaching with the 'dynamic duo'. Mr McDowell is currently working on completing his Masters degree in Music Education at Florida State University. Mr McDowell resides in Batesville with his son, Christian.
