Dr. Cole Smith, Director of Bands
Cole Smith is a music educator and dedicated Soldier serving in the 116th Georgia Army National Guard Band. He previously served as the Washington County High School Band Director in Sandersville, Georgia, where he successfully led the program to achieve excellence in performances and competitions. Prior to that, Smith gained valuable experience as the Sumter County Middle School Band Director and Assistant Band Director at Sumter County High School in Americus, Georgia. Dr. Smith holds a Doctor of Music Education degree from Liberty University, a Master of Music Education degree from the University of Georgia, and a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Georgia State University. His advanced education reflects his dedication to ongoing professional growth and excellence in teaching. Additionally, he delivered a clinic at the 2018 Georgia Music Educators Association Conference in Athens, Georgia, titled "What I Wish I Knew: That First Year," sharing insights and practical advice for new educators entering the profession.
Cole Smith is a music educator and dedicated Soldier serving in the 116th Georgia Army National Guard Band. He previously served as the Washington County High School Band Director in Sandersville, Georgia, where he successfully led the program to achieve excellence in performances and competitions. Prior to that, Smith gained valuable experience as the Sumter County Middle School Band Director and Assistant Band Director at Sumter County High School in Americus, Georgia. Dr. Smith holds a Doctor of Music Education degree from Liberty University, a Master of Music Education degree from the University of Georgia, and a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Georgia State University. His advanced education reflects his dedication to ongoing professional growth and excellence in teaching. Additionally, he delivered a clinic at the 2018 Georgia Music Educators Association Conference in Athens, Georgia, titled "What I Wish I Knew: That First Year," sharing insights and practical advice for new educators entering the profession.
Ms. Erica Schiller, Assistant Director of Bands & Percussion Coordinator
Erica Schiller serves as a soldier in the Georgia Army National Guard as a performing percussionist in the 116th Army Band. She is a former music educator and high school band director and currently works as a freelance percussionist and percussion instructor around the greater Atlanta area. She received her Bachelors degree in music education from Georgia State University, where she was a member of the marching band, basketball pep band, percussion ensemble, and symphonic wind ensemble. In her free time she enjoys reading, rock climbing, being outside, and spending time with her two cats, Monk and Doodle.
Erica Schiller serves as a soldier in the Georgia Army National Guard as a performing percussionist in the 116th Army Band. She is a former music educator and high school band director and currently works as a freelance percussionist and percussion instructor around the greater Atlanta area. She received her Bachelors degree in music education from Georgia State University, where she was a member of the marching band, basketball pep band, percussion ensemble, and symphonic wind ensemble. In her free time she enjoys reading, rock climbing, being outside, and spending time with her two cats, Monk and Doodle.
Ms. Bella Cabrel-Watson, West Hall Middle School Band Director
Bella Cabrel-Watson is a recent Summa Cum Laude graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in Music Education and a Certificate in Personal and Organizational Leadership. She studied flute with Professor Angela Jones-Reus and has performed with the UGA Wind Symphony, Wind Ensemble, and flute choirs. During her undergraduate studies, she served in leadership positions within the UGA Redcoat Band, the National Association of Music Education, professional development fraternity Sigma Alpha Iota, and the Hugh Hodgson School of Music Ambassadors. Outside of the school of music, she has taught in Cobb, Madison, Oconee, and Barrow counties as a flute/woodwind technician and rehearsal assistant. Her proudest teaching moments were within the UGA Kenya project, in which she taught flute lessons at the Moi Girls School in Eldoret, Kenya. She completed her student teaching at Morgan County Middle School with Karisa Seymour, and she learned so much about patience, kindness, and community. Bella enjoys hiking, cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs, trying new restaurants, and spending time with her two dogs.
Bella Cabrel-Watson is a recent Summa Cum Laude graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in Music Education and a Certificate in Personal and Organizational Leadership. She studied flute with Professor Angela Jones-Reus and has performed with the UGA Wind Symphony, Wind Ensemble, and flute choirs. During her undergraduate studies, she served in leadership positions within the UGA Redcoat Band, the National Association of Music Education, professional development fraternity Sigma Alpha Iota, and the Hugh Hodgson School of Music Ambassadors. Outside of the school of music, she has taught in Cobb, Madison, Oconee, and Barrow counties as a flute/woodwind technician and rehearsal assistant. Her proudest teaching moments were within the UGA Kenya project, in which she taught flute lessons at the Moi Girls School in Eldoret, Kenya. She completed her student teaching at Morgan County Middle School with Karisa Seymour, and she learned so much about patience, kindness, and community. Bella enjoys hiking, cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs, trying new restaurants, and spending time with her two dogs.
Mr. Adrian Galvan, Color Guard Instructor
Adrian Galvan is an elementary school teacher in Hall County and a proud product of the Hall County School System. He enjoys sharing his passion for color guard in and out of work. He's extended the opportunity for elementary-aged students at his school to experience spinning by participating in the Gainesville Christmas parade for the past 2 years. Adrian has taught high school and independent groups for the last 8 years, with his groups earning excellent & superior ratings, as well as receiving high achievement & placement awards. His marching career includes Kingsmen Indoor Winds 2018, Edge Independent A '21, Edge Independent Open '22, Atlanta CV '22, and Edge World '23.
Adrian Galvan is an elementary school teacher in Hall County and a proud product of the Hall County School System. He enjoys sharing his passion for color guard in and out of work. He's extended the opportunity for elementary-aged students at his school to experience spinning by participating in the Gainesville Christmas parade for the past 2 years. Adrian has taught high school and independent groups for the last 8 years, with his groups earning excellent & superior ratings, as well as receiving high achievement & placement awards. His marching career includes Kingsmen Indoor Winds 2018, Edge Independent A '21, Edge Independent Open '22, Atlanta CV '22, and Edge World '23.
