John Erdogan has been in public education for 23 years, with 22 years at Newnan High. Prior to accepting the position at Newnan, Mr. Erdogan was the Director of Bands at J.H. Rose High School in Greenville, North Carolina. A native of Trinity, Alabama, Mr. Erdogan graduated from Lawrence County High School in Moulton, Alabama. He played there under the direction of band director Freddie Meadows. Mr. Erdogan received his Bachelor of Science in Education from Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama. While at JSU, he was a member of the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble. Brass Choir, A Capella Choir, and was trumpet section leader of the “Marching Southerners,” under the direction of Dr. David L. Walters. Mr. Erdogan was a trumpet student of Dr. Fred Grumley and Dr. John C. Merriman. Mr. Erdogan attended graduate school and served as a graduate assistant to Dr. Tom Goolsby at East Carolina University. During this time he was Assistant Director of the “Marching Pirates,” Director of the University Concert Band, and Director of the Jazz Ensemble II. He was also a member of the Concert Choir, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, and the University Orchestra. Mr. Erdogan was a member of the 1984 DCI World Champion Garfield Cadets and also a member of the Memphis Blues Brass Band.
At Newnan High, Mr. Erdogan directs the Advanced Symphonic Band, the Marching Band, the Symphonic II Band, and co-conducts the Concert Band. He also assists at both feeder schools: Smokey Road Middle School and Evans Middle School. Bands under Mr. Erdogan’s direction consistently score Superior ratings, Best in Class and Overall Grand Champion titles in local and regional events. In January of 2010, the Advanced Symphonic Band was recognized as an Honor Band of Georgia by Columbus State University, and honor the band also held in 2008. In February of 2010, Mr. Erdogan received the “Citation of Excellence” from the National Band Association. In March of 2007, Mr. Erdogan was presented the Joseph B. Whitehead Educator of Distinction Award by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation.
Mr. Erdogan currently resides in LaGrange, Georgia with his wife, Rhonda, sons Jordan and Hunter. He holds professional affiliations with Georgia Music Educations Association, Music Educators National Conference, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity.