Meet our Leaders
Janis Maxwell, Director of Children's and Youth Music Ministry
Janis was hired to join the music staff at Athens First UMC in 1998. She is the former organist and has directed the Wesleyan Youth Choir since 2005. She has worked in varying capacities with the children’s choirs over the past 27 years, taking over as Director in 2022. Janis holds degrees in piano performance and organ and studied conducting with Dr. Mitos Andaya at the University of Georgia. She is a graduate of the Chorister’s Guild Institute, a three-year intensive course that specializes in choral training and music ministry for children and youth. Janis serves on the board of the Atlanta Chapter of the Chorister’s Guild and is a member of the American Choral Directors Association and the American Guild of Organists. Janis is married to Mark Maxwell, and they have three grown children: Rush, Morgan, and Brooks.
Brandi Garrett, Parent Volunteer Coordinator
Brandi serves as our parent volunteer coordinator. She has been with us since 2023. She and her husband, Jason, have 2 children, Liam and Lyra, but she is “choir mom” to many more students!
Vincent Tong, Accompanist
Vincent is our accompanist and is a great addition to our team since 2024. He and his wife, Remy, have twin daughters and a newborn son. Vincent is working on his doctorate in piano performance at the University of Georgia.