Fifth Grade Band Directors

Josh Morgan

Horizon and Timber Ridge Elementary Schools

Josh Morgan is enjoying his 10th year of teaching beginner band, the last four of those in the Johnston system. He is graduate of Simpson College, University of Missouri-Kansas City, and Iowa State University. Josh is also an active church musician, currently employed as organist at Grace United Methodist Church in Des Moines. He lives in Indianola with wife Dawn, first grader Emily, and twin toddlers Brett and Kelly.

Justin Wells

Wallace and Beaver Creek Elementary Schools

Justin Wells is the 5th grade band director at Wallace and Beaver Creek Elementary Schools Mr. Wells began teaching career in Johnston in 2005. Mr Wells is a 2000 graduate of Boone High School. He has a Bachelor of Music, Music Education and Master of Music, Music Education from the University of Northern Iowa.

Mr. Wells is married to Emily who teaches 5th grade band in Urbandale. They have two cats. Mr. wells plays euphonium and is invovled several area music activities includes the Central Iowa Wind Ensemble, Boone Municipal Band, Des Moines Community Orchestra, and church choir. His hobbies include officiating basketball, football, baseball, and softball.

Liz Petersen

Lawson Elementary School

Liz Petersen teaches 5th grade band and kindergarten music at Lawson and kindergarten/1st grade music at Horizon. This is her 10th year with the Johnston school district. Prior to teaching at Johnston she taught in the South Sarpy School district and Hooper School District in Nebraska and in Wyoming, Iowa. She received her BME from Drake University. Liz and her husband live in Newton and have two children, Leanne and Noah. She keeps busy attending her children's activities and with church activities.