Ms. Thomas is entering her 17th year of teaching but her 3rd year at Burke County Middle School.  A native of Augusta, GA, Ms. Thomas graduated from Augusta State University, where she received her bachelor's degree in Music Education.  During her time at ASU, she was member of the concert band and chorus.  She also became a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, where she held the Vice-President and President position.  Ms. Thomas completed her student teaching at the Academy of Richmond County and begin assisting the marching band there.  In 2008, she became the band director at Butler High School in Augusta, Ga and remained there until 2019.  Ms. Thomas is member of the Georgia Music Educators Association, the National Association of Music Education, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Georgia Association of Educators, Women's Band Director International, and Tabernacle Baptist Church.

In addition to teaching, Ms. Thomas enjoys riding her bike, hiking, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Mr. Samuel Speering is in his 8th year teaching at Burke County Middle School. A native of Augusta, GA, Mr. Speering graduated from Augusta University, where he received his bachelor's degree in Music Education. While at Augusta University, Mr. Speering was appointed principal trumpet of the Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, and Brass Quintet.  Prior to joining the staff at Burke County Middle School, Mr. Speering completed his student teaching at Grovetown Middle School and assisted the Grovetown High School marching band. He remains active as a performer and private trumpet instructor, having performed with groups such as the Savannah River Winds, the Aiken Concert Band, the Augusta Choral Society, and the Augusta Concert Band.  Mr. Speering is a member of the Georgia Music Educators Association, the National Association of Music Education, the International Trumpet Guild, and the National Band Association.  He is currently pursuing his master's degree in music education at Vandercook College of Music in Chicago, Illinois.

In addition to teaching, Mr. Speering enjoys practicing his trumpet, learning the bass guitar, playing video games, watching movies, and listening to podcasts.