About the Directors
Michael R. Tompkins, Director
Mr. Tompkins earned his Bachelor of Science in Music from Southern Adventist University in 2000, where he studied cello under the tutelage of Dr. James Stroud. During his tenure at Southern, he served as Principal Cellist of the University Orchestra, which embarked on a tour of Ireland during the summer of 1998. Subsequently, he obtained his Master of Music Education degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in 2002, where he continued his cello studies under the guidance of Dr. Wesley Baldwin. As a graduate intern, he represented the UT School of Music at the Music Educators National Conference in 2002.
Mr. Tompkins has performed with various community and church orchestras throughout his career. Currently, he serves as the orchestra director at Hightower Trail Middle School in Marietta, Georgia, where he was named Teacher of the Year for the 2025-2026 school year. Under his leadership, the school’s orchestra has performed at numerous state and national conferences, including a recent invitation to perform at Carnegie Hall in the spring of 2027.
In addition to his work with orchestras, Mr. Tompkins has been involved in numerous string camps. Notably, he founded and directed the Shiloh String Workshop in 2007. Currently, he is on staff as Director and cello clinician at the East Cobb Upbeat Strings! Camp. Furthermore, he serves as the Intermediate Orchestra director for the At First Sight Chamber Orchestra Camp in Collegedale, Tennessee.
Mr. Tompkins and his wife, Shawnte Scott-Tompkins (6th Grade Social Studies teacher at Hightower Trail Middle School), live in Marietta with their Gabrielle, who is an aspiring cellist and Chozen their lovable French Bull Dog!
E-mail: michael.tompkins@cobbk12.org
Paul O'Keefe, Assistant Director
Paul O’Keefe is in his 7th year as Orchestra Assistant Director at Hightower Trail Middle School. Prior to teaching at Hightower Trail, Mr. O’Keefe taught for 7 years at Wheeler High School, and 3 years at Daniell Middle School. While at Wheeler, the orchestra program grew quickly and they received 1st place awards for solos and string orchestra performances in Virginia and Florida.
Mr. O’Keefe received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Florida State University (1998), where he studied Violin under Professor Karen Clarke. At Florida State, Mr. O’Keefe served as Director of the Tallahassee Youth Philharmonia Orchestra. Following graduation, Mr. O’Keefe served as clinician to the Tampa Bay Youth Orchestra, and served as a violin clinician to orchestra programs throughout the Hillsborough County area in Tampa, Florida.
As a violinist, Mr. O’Keefe has performed with small ensembles and church orchestras throughout Cobb County. He performs regularly in string trios, quartets, solos, Bluegrass ensembles and Orchestra Cantatas throughout Atlanta and Cobb County.
Mr. O’Keefe and his wife, April O’Keefe, live in Marietta with their 10-year-old son (Carson), two 7 year-old twins (Molly and Logan), and a small Beagle name Leela.
E-mail: Paul.O’Keefe@cobbk12.org
