John Sweat

I was born and raised right here in Macon.  I  began my violin studies at the age of 8 at Springdale Elementary.  I was a charter member of the Macon Symphony Youth Orchestra.  At the age of 14, I  began a 20 year tenure playing in the Macon Symphony Orchestra.  I have  also performed with numerous symphonies around the southeast, including the Albany Symphony serving as concertmaster from 1994-1996.

After receiving degrees from the University of Georgia and Georgia State University in Violin Performance, I began teaching orchestra in the public schools here in Macon in 1996.  After five years of teaching, I became  the Marketing and Development Director for the Macon Symphony Orchestra.  In 2003, I returned to full time teaching as the orchestra director at Westside High School.

I  joined the inaugural faculty of Howard High School in the 2008-2009 school year, where I teach orchestra, AP Music Theory,  music appreciation and serve as the Fine Arts DepartmentChairperson.

Prior to becoming the music director at Liberty United Methodist Church in May 2009, I served as the Organist and Music Director at Cherokee Heights United Methodist Church for 12 years   I  have been active in church music all of my life and have participated in music programs in churches of just about every denomination.  My main goal is to make a joyfule noise unto the Lord and touch the lives of people throught music.

I am  married to Jennifer, who teaches 7^th grade Math at Stratford Academy.  We have been blessed with three beautiful children – Brian, Amber, and John Mark.

God has blessed me and my family with our wonderful LUMC church family!  THANKS BE TO GOD!