Our quality music program in the public school setting is essential for students to thrive in all their educational endeavors and will lead them to becoming productive, hard-working contributors to society.

Directors

• Contact Info: John.karos@fcps.org

Mr. John Karos is currently the Director of Bands at Tuscarora High School. He teaches Concert Band, Jazz Band, Marching Band, Music Theory and the Indoor Percussion and Color Guard programs and serves as the Performing Arts Department Chair. He received a Master’s of Music Education from Shenandoah University where he studied under Dr. Stephanie Standerfer and Dr. David Zerull.

Mr. Karos also has a Bachelor’s of Music Education from Shepherd University where he studied under Dr. Mark McCoy, Dr. Mark Cook, and Chris Quade and has appeared previously as a guest lecturer. He currently works with the Shepherd University Marching Ram Band as a visual instructor. Mr. Karos has also worked as the Assistant Band Director of Brunswick High School and the Band Director at Ballenger Creek Middle School.

Recently, Mr. Karos earned the title of Master Music Teacher for Frederick County Public Schools for which he mentors and trains new secondary music educators. He also serves as an adjudicator and clinician for many instrumental programs in the Mid-Atlantic region.

During his time at Tuscarora, Mr. Karos has led the instrumental music program to consistent Superior ratings at both the county and state level. He established an after school jazz program that now consists of 3 ensembles as well as a string orchestra program that now includes 2 ensembles. In addition, he has also co-founded the Middle School Honor Ensembles for students at the two feeder middle schools.

Mr. Karos is a member of NAfME, Jazz Education Network, MMEA, Maryland Band Directors Association, Maryland Orchestra Directors Association, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and the Keystone Indoor Drill Association where he serves as the Vice President.

• Contact Info: lucas.hogan@fcps.org

Mr. Lucas Hogan is a Frederick County (MD) native who holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Shepherd University (Shepherdstown, WV) and is continuing his studies in Music Technology through Southern Utah University (Cedar City, UT).  Mr. Hogan has worked with the Tuscarora High School Marching Titans since 2014, and was brought on as the Orchestra Director in 2020.  

In his short time at THS, Mr. Hogan has led the orchestra to Superior ratings at festivals, and received first place in the Music in Parks competition in Hershey, PA. The Orchestra plays a wide variety of music from many genres, time periods, and cultures.  

In addition to his duties as the Orchestra Director and Assistant Marching Band Director, Mr. Hogan takes great pride in teaching the Guitar, and Music Technology courses at THS.

Mr. Hogan uses his real world experience as well as a high level of education to lead students in discovering modern recording and producing techniques, as well as career opportunities in the music industry.  

Mr. Hogan plans to continue to grow and diversify the music opportunities at THS. He would like to see students from all backgrounds to have the opportunity to learn and perform in the school.