Guest Clinicians

Gary Markham is currently the Supervisor of Music for the Cobb County School District.  The Cobb County Music program has been named one of the “BEST 100 Communities for Music Education in America five times.  Mr. Markham received his B. S. degree from Mansfield State University, M. Ed. degree from Penn State University, and studied for a Ph. D (ABD) in conducting and music supervision at George Mason University with Tony Maiello and Arnald Gabriel.  He is currently Chief Judge and Education Consultant for Bands of America, Music Educational Director for Drum Corps International, and “Band Expressions” author for Alfred Music.  He is a member of MENC, GMEA, ASBDA, NAJE, NBA, College Music Society, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, and many others including Phi Beta Mu. 

Bob Buckner has long been associated with bands both in the state of North Carolina and on the national level.  Bob has been active as a teacher, consultant, designer, and adjudicator for more than forty years, including establishing United Music Enterprises in 1979, working with the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, and Pygraphics.  In 1988 Bob became Director of Bands at East Tennessee State University and remained there until coming to Western Carolina University in 1991. Mr. Buckner was selected for the "Paul A. Reid" Distinguished Service Award for Faculty in 2003. In March of 2005 he was recognized for his contributions to music education by being presented the "Lowell Mason Award" by the Music Educators National Conference. Later the same week he was inducted into the Bands of America Hall of Fame.  Bob and his wife Donna reside in Waynesville, North Carolina and are the parents of five adult children.

Matt Henley is the Assistant Director of Athletic Bands at Western which includes assisting with the "Pride of the Mountains" and the two "Cathouse Bands". One of Mr. Henley's primary duties is the Marching Percussion Program at WCU.  Mr. Henley earned both Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music from Western Carolina University.  Mr. Henley is a member of MENC, IARP, PAS, and is a Vic Firth endorsed artist. He resides with his wife Angie and son Landon in Clyde, NC.

Jon Henson is the Assistant Director of Athletic Bands at Western Carolina University. This includes working with the “Pride of the Mountains” and two “Cathouse Bands”. Some of Jon’s primary duties are composing for and directing the WCU “Soul Train” as well as managing all electronics used within the “Pride of the Mountains”. He is also a sought after percussion writer and instructor for bands across the South East. He earned both his BSEd and MAEd degrees in music from Western Carolina University. Jon is a member of MENC, PAS, CBDNA, and is an Innovative Percussion endorsed artist.

Nola Jones is the Director of Bands at the University of Tennessee Martin.  Ms. Jones is in demand internationally as a marching band and drum corps adjudicator.  Dr. Jones received her Bachelor of Music Education degree from Mississippi State University and the Master of Music Education degree from Mississippi College.  She received her Doctorate of Musical Arts in wind band conducting from the University of South Carolina where she was a student of Dr. William J. Moody.   Her resume includes work as a visual effect judge for Drum Corps International Finals, Bands of America Finals, and Winter Guard International Finals.

Bobby Lambert spent several years on the podium for the “Pride of the Mountains” Marching Band at Western Carolina University, where he received a B.S. Ed in Music Education. He went on to receive his Masters of Music degree in saxophone performance from the University of Massachusetts where he served as graduate assistant to Mr. Lynn Klock.  He is currently the Assistant Director of Bands for Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights, Illinois and is a drill designer for United Music Enterprises.

Bill Register currently serves as the Percussion Director for the West Johnston High School Band in Benson, North Carolina.  Originally from Clinton, South Carolina, Bill received his B.S.Ed in Music Education from the University of South Carolina.  He was a charter member of the Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps faculty and design team. 

Jenny Stowers is a graduate of Western Carolina University with a degree in Music Education.  Jenny served as Drum Major for the Western Carolina University “Pride of the Mountains” Marching Band for two years and as a Staff Coordinator for one year.  She has been a clinician for the WCU Leadership Camp as well as the Duncan Music Camp held in Winston Salem, N.C.  Jenny plays saxophone, oboe and is also a vocalist.  She currently works for the Outdoor Adventure Therapy Program and Towns County Family Connection.

David Starnes has been the director of bands at Kennesaw Mountain High School in Kennesaw, Georgia since its opening in 2000. Currently, David serves as a member of the Bands of America Advisory Board, the program coordinator for the Spirit Drum and Bugle Corps, an educational clinician for Innovative Percussion, and a Yamaha clinician/educator.