Recent Accolades
The following Zeta Chapter Members were recognized at our most recent meeting for their achievements in the past year. We thank them for their service to Music Education in Georgia and are proud of their accomplishments.
The following bands, all directed by Zeta Members, were selected to perform at the Georgia Music Educators Association Inservice Conference in Athens, Georgia in January 2022:
Central Carroll High School - Neil Ruby, Director
Kennesaw Mountain High School - Michael Huebner, Director
Sequoyah High School - Casey Eubanks, Director
South Forsyth Middle School - Andrew Poor, Director
Walton High School – John Palmer, Director
The Oconee County Middle School Band program, under the direction of Jon Cotton, received the GMEA Exemplary Performance Award for the 2021-2022 school year.
The South Forsyth Middle School Band, under the direction of Andy Poor, performed at UGA Midfest in December. They have started a consortium for new composers and are looking for members for this year and next.
Dr. Lowell Graham, Neil Ruby’s guest conductor on his GMEA concert and guest at the luncheon, was elected to the National Band Association’s “Hall of Fame of Distinguished Conductors” last month. The announcement was made at the NBA national membership meeting during Midwest. David Gregory said that he had the privilege of serving as his primary sponsor and it was his honor to introduce him as the newest HOF member. David himself was recognized at a special luncheon/awards event by the Midwest BOD as one of the 2021 Midwest Legends. He said that it was his privilege to be part of a Midwest clinic presentation this year on Wednesday as the NBA was recognized on its 60th anniversary. There were 10 NBA Past Presidents who were featured during the clinic as they discussed the NBA from the perspectives of the past, the present and the future.
Alfred Watkins was presented with the Outstanding Bandmaster Award at the annual awards breakfast of Phi Beta Mu International at the Midwest Clinic in December.
Kerry Bryant was appointed Director of Instrumental Activities and Assistant Professor at Reinhardt University in the summer of 2020.
Dennis Naughton was appointed Instructor of Music Education and Assistant Director of Bands at Reinhardt University.
After a delay of three years, the Savannah River Winds, conducted by Richard Brasco, will be premiering a commission composed for them by David Shaffer. The piece is “Into Heaven’s Hands” and is dedicated to one of their charter members who passed away from breast cancer. The piece has been published by CL Barnhouse and is available through that company.
The Walton Wind Symphony under the direction of John Palmer has been invited to perform at the Music for All Southeastern Concert Festival in March. Additionally, John Palmer was awarded the John Phillips Sousa Legion of Honor Award last month at the Midwest Clinic.
The Brookwood High School Bronco Marching Band, Laura Stanley and Jack Jean, Directors, will be performing at the 2023 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California.
Jeffrey Rowser was presented with 2022 GMEA Distinguished Service Award at the Opening Session of the 2022 Georgia Music Educators Association Yearly Inservice.
The Pope Wind Symphony, Bo Sodders, Director, performed at the 1st Annual University of Tennessee of Chattanooga Honor Band Festival on Saturday, January 22, 2022.
The Villa Rica High School Saxophone Sextet, Kevin Brown – Director, presented a lobby performance at the GMEA Inservice on Friday, January 28th. The Villa Rica High School Trumpet Sextet also presented a Lobby Performance at the same Inservice. Additionally, Kevin was selected as the Villa Rica High School STAR Teacher for this year.
Miles Adams retired (for the second time) last spring. He served 30 years at Jackson County High School and 8 years at Prince Avenue Christian School.
The Adairsville High School Symphonic Band, Everette Cannady – Director, was selected to perform for the Reinhardt University Honor Band Clinic and the Young Harris College Honor Band Clinic.
The Kell High School Wind Ensemble, David Roth- Director, performed at the 2022 Southeastern United States Concert Band Clinic at Troy University.