Directors and Staff

Dr. Brian M. Toney is honored to serve as the third Band Director in the history of Greenbrier High School (GA), which opened in 1996. His previous roles include serving as a music teacher in Maryland (2000–2001) and Pennsylvania (2001–2006), Assistant Band Director at Greenbrier High School (2006–2008), Band Director at Riverside Middle School (2008–2009), and nine years as the founding Band Director and Fine Arts Department Chair at Grovetown High School (2009–2018). Under his leadership, the Band of Warriors grew from 67 to 178 members and consistently earned Superior Ratings.

Since returning to Greenbrier in 2018, all facets of the band program have continued to distinguish themselves as premier ensembles, consistently earning Superior Ratings at adjudicated events and placing significant numbers of students in District and All-State Bands.

Dr. Toney holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Grove City College (PA), a Master’s degree in Music Education from Lebanon Valley College (PA), and a Doctorate in Education from the University of Georgia, with concentrations in music education philosophy and the relevant assessment of student performance.

He is a member of Phi Beta Mu, the National Association for Music Education, and the Georgia Music Educators Association. Dr. Toney is regularly sought after as a clinician and educational consultant.

He resides in Evans with his wife and college sweetheart, Amy, their sons Simon and Nolan, and two quirky dogs, Toby and Belle.

Contact Dr. Toney at brian.toney@ccboe.net. The best time to reach out is between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM.

Mr. Ryan Bratton is originally from the mountains of Asheville, NC, Mr. Bratton attended college at the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!) where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. While at UGA, he marched sousaphone with the Redcoat Band. His primary instrument is tuba, and he enjoys playing euphonium, trombone, and piano as well. Mr. Bratton began his career as Assistant Band Director at Lee County High School in Leesburg, GA before he joined Greenbrier MS. 

Mr. Bratton is a member of the National Association for Music Education, the Georgia Music Educators Association, the National Band Association, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. 

Mr. Geoff Rosche is a native of Beavercreek, Ohio. He graduated from Mississippi State University in 2003 earning a Bachelor of Music Education with an emphasis in percussion and completed a Masters degree in Instrumental Conducting at the American Band College at Southern Oregon University in 2009. 

Mr. Rosche has previously served as the Assistant Band Director at Evans High School from 2003-2008 and currently serves as the Band Director at Riverside Middle School in Evans, Georgia since 2009. 

Mrs. Lea Hilyard was born in Omaha, Nebraska, and later moved to Fort Walton Beach, Florida, where she was an active member of the color guard at Fort Walton Beach High School. She earned her degree from the University of Florida and began her teaching career at Smiths Station High School in Alabama, where she also served as the color guard coach.

In 2023, Mrs. Hilyard joined the faculty at Greenbrier High School, where she continues to share her passion for education and the performing arts. She is proud to be part of the Pack and brings enthusiasm and dedication to everything she does.

Outside of work, Mrs. Hilyard enjoys spending time with her husband, two sons, and their family pets—two dogs and two cats. Her weekends are filled with family time, cheering on the Florida Gators and Nebraska Huskers, and enjoying the company of her loved ones.

Ms. Emily Woodward is an Augusta native who graduated from Greenbrier High School in 2009. She marched all 4 years of high school with the color guard, holding the position of captain and choreographer her junior and senior year, while playing clarinet in concert band. Emily had been instructing color guard for various Columbia county high schools over the last 16 years, including Grovetown and Harlem. She has been working with the Marching Wolfpack since the 2019 Winterguard season.

In her spare time, Emily is an avid football fan and loves cheering on the Georgia bulldogs. She is also a shareholder for the Green Bay Packers and tries to get to a game as often as she can. She also has her Certified Pool Operator license and enjoys helping people better understand their swimming pools and is adamant about water safety.