Sympatico Personnel
Greg House (Program Director/Basic Beats and Beyond) is a passionate, self-taught multi-instrumentalist with a deep love for creating and sharing music. A skilled drummer at heart, he also enjoys playing the bass and acoustic guitar. In his early musical explorations, Greg co-founded two rock bands, Missing in Maryland and Cumberland—both named in tribute to his family’s roots in Cumberland, Maryland. With these bands, he collaborated with his bandmates to write and record four albums, produce two music videos, and perform in countless ticketed concerts across the East Coast from 2007 to 2019. Naturally drawn to leadership, Greg embraced roles that fostered creativity and collaboration, an ethos he’s excited to bring to his new role as Program Director of the Sympatico program.
Now in his 12th year of teaching (his 5th with ACPS), Greg has consistently found ways to merge his talents in music with his passion for education. During COVID, he combined these skills to write and record energetic songs and videos, helping students master math facts through movement.
Today, Greg channels his boundless creativity into heartfelt love songs for his wife, Shauntay, alongside playful, imaginative tunes about food, trucks, and more for his 2.5-year-old son, Ezra, 4-month-old daughter, Eden, and the students he inspires. Whether crafting melodies at home or performing behind the drum kit or guitar at his family’s church in Washington, D.C., Greg continues to share his passion for music, weaving it into the fabric of his family life and community.
Rebecca Walker (Fiddle Factory/Site Coordinator) is beginning her second year of full-time teaching experience. Prior to her teaching career, Rebecca completed a Master of Music at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She began playing the viola in the 5th grade which sparked her passion for music performance and education. In addition to her work with Sympatico, Rebecca teaches 4th and 5th grade strings, as well as Pre-K general music at John Adams Elementary.
Logan Blatt (Cantamos) is currently in his second year of teaching elementary music. Logan was born and raised in Chesapeake, VA, beginning guitar lessons in second grade and starting choir in sixth grade. After spending his childhood dedicated to music, Logan went on to study Music Education at James Madison University where he participated in multiple ensembles, including classical and contemporary a cappella music. After college, he began teaching general music at Ferdinand T. Day Elementary and remains their primary music teacher. He is thankful for the opportunity to work with a young choir, and he looks forward to bringing positivity to their lives through music.
James Cornelius (Mallet Machine) is currently in his tenth year of teaching music. James was born and raised in Plant City, FL. In 8th grade, he took a class trip to DC and always wanted to come back. After his journey into adulthood, James was finally able to move the area. He has been teaching in ACPS for three years and counting. James began playing percussion in middle school and continues to play in different capacities to this day. James earned his Bachelor’s of Music Performance in Percussion and Master’s of Education from Florida Southern College. James had performed with the Sarasota Opera, FSC Musical Theater department, and was the Music Director at FUMC Plant City. Throughout his teaching career, he has taught Steel Drum ensemble, bucket drumline, middle school chorus, and Modern Band classes. James loves sharing his passion with students and leads them to be the best version of themselves.
Patrick Horner (Percussion Experience) is currently in his fourth year of teaching elementary band in Alexandria City Public Schools. Patrick was born and raised in Alexandria, VA and feels grateful to be able to teach in the school system that helped him pursue his passion. He began playing percussion in 4th grade and continues to play in different capacities to this day. Patrick earned his Bachelor’s of Music Education from George Mason University and participated in many different ensembles while there. Patrick looks forward to sharing his passion for music with every student that enters his classroom.
Jasmin Johnson (Rhythm & Grooves) is in her 7th year as a music educator. Jasmin was born and raised in Richmond, VA, where she developed a love for music early on in her life. She began playing clarinet in the 4th grade and has now played for 20 years. Upon graduating high school, she attended Hampton University, where she earned her a Bachelor of Arts in Music, and Masters of Teaching degrees. Jasmin began her journey as a music educator in 2019 and taught elementary music in Henrico County, VA for 4 years. In 2023, Jasmin transitioned to secondary music and began teaching Modern Music and Beginning Band at Francis C. Hammond Middle School in Alexandria, VA. Jasmin is now in her 3rd year at Hammond and looks forward to the continued growth of the Modern Music program and the start of Rhythm & Grooves for the 2025-2026 school year.
