High School Performing Arts

Meet our Directors

Samuel Karafotis Director of Bands Atoka and Harmony Public School

Samuel Karafotis - Band

Samuel Karafotis has held the position of Director of Bands for Atoka and Harmony Public School since August 2013. Mr. Karafotis oversees the concert, marching, jazz, and beginner bands, as well as the percussion ensemble. Under his leadership, the Pride of Atoka has achieved Superior ratings at OSSAA Marching, Concert, and Sightreading contests. The indoor percussion ensemble has won several circuit championships and has represented Oklahoma at the WGI Percussion World Championships in Dayton, OH qualifying for finals in 2024.

Mr. Karafotis has also taught in Michigan, Texas, Wisconsin, and South Korea. Mr. Karafotis is a Cum Laude graduate of Eastern Michigan University and has even written a published article for The McNair Scholars Research Journal, Vol 2 (2009).

In recognition of his achievements, Mr. Karafotis was named Director of the Year in 2022 by the South Eastern Oklahoma Band Directors Association and was awarded the WGI Sport of Arts WGIcon Scholarship. In 2016, he was the principal flutist with the Southeastern Symphonic Winds (Durant, OK).

Alyssa Wartz

Alyssa Wirtz - Band

Alyssa Wirtz is a distinguished alumna of Oral Roberts University (ORU), where she earned her Bachelor of Music Education in 2021. During her time at ORU, she was an active member of the Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, and Clarinet Choir, and even had the opportunity to perform with the OkMEA Intercollegiate Band. Under the tutelage of Christy Foster, Adjunct Professor of Clarinet, she honed her skills and developed a deep passion for music education. Prior to joining the Atoka community, Alyssa served as the Band Director, Elementary Music Teacher, and Esports Coach at Geronimo Public Schools, where she also taught private lessons in flute, clarinet, and saxophone. She is a proud member of the Oklahoma Bandmasters Association and the Oklahoma Music Educators Association, and is committed to promoting excellence in music education.

Jenna Pebworth Choir Director Atoka Public School

Jenna Pebworth- Choir

Mrs. Pebworth is a graduate of Atoka High School. After graduation, she continued her education at SOSU in Durant, Oklahoma. At SOSU, Mrs. Pebworth earned an Undergraduate Degree in Instrumental Music and a graduate degree in Educational Leadership/Administration and Building Principalship.

Mrs. Pebworth began her career in education at Stringtown Public Schools, where she taught Pre-K (3) for three years and choir for two years. She spent three and a half years outside of public education, working for Child Welfare for the State of Oklahoma. She then moved to a teaching position at the Choctaw Nation’s Early Head Start program. In 2018, Mrs. Pebworth taught computer science at Coalgate Public School. But her love for music sparked, and while at Coalgate she became the band and choir director. She began working at Atoka Public School in 2023 as the choir director for McCall Middle School and Atoka High School.