Staff

Curtis Carver

Band Director

Mr. Carver is returning this year as band director at Harlem high school. Prior to coming to HHS, he served as the percussion teacher/Instructor for The Augusta University Music Conservatory for two years, The percussion coordinator and assistant marching band director at Grovetown High School for eight years, percussion technician at Greenbrier High school for one year and the Music teacher at Westmont Elementary school for three years. Mr. Carver has played percussion since the age of five and was featured on his first professional recording at the age of seven. He has performed with several music artists through out his performing career. He is a graduate of Augusta State University where he participated in Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Orchestra, percussion ensemble and pep band. Mr. Carver participated in the Georgia All-College band both his junior and senior years. Mr. Carver is a member of the Georgia Music Educators Association, National Bandsman Association and the Percussive Arts Society. Mr. Carver was also the recipient of the 2022/23 STAR teacher award and nominated in 2022 for the Music Educator of the Year from the Grammy Music Foundation. Mr. Carver lives in Augusta with his beautiful wife Ashley Lauren Carver, daughter Harper Jean Carver and chocolate Lab "BEAR".

Caleb Hawkins

Visual Director/Choreography

Caleb Hawkins is entering his 7th year teaching marching band and his 4th year with the Harlem Bulldog Marching Band. He specializes in marching technique, visual design, choreography, and overall performance development. A primary baritone player for 16 years, Caleb is also proficient on piano, tuba, trumpet, and violin. His performance experience includes marching with Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps in 2017 & 2018, and Carolina Crown in 2019. Caleb has performed in a wide range of venues, from small community settings to stadiums filled with over 80,000 spectators. Marching band remains a lifelong passion for him- not only as a performer, but especially as an educator dedicated to helping students grow in confidence, musicianship, and performance excellence.

Leslie Moon

Clarinet Instructor

Leslie Ann Minor Moon is the Director of Bands at Harlem Middle School, entering her 9th year at HMS and 21st year teaching in Georgia. The band program includes over 200 students and continues to grow. Students perform regularly on campus and in the community, with 6th graders typically performing two concerts each year, while 7th and 8th graders also perform at football games as a pep band. Additional events include the Costume Concert, Veterans Day program, Winter and Spring concerts, LGPE, and field trips. HMS band students regularly participate in Honor Bands, Solo & Ensemble, and consistently earn Superior ratings at LGPE. Mrs. Moon holds degrees from Columbus State University, Georgia State University, and Nova Southeastern University. She is married to Joey Moon, also an educator, and they have three sons Maddox, Memphis and Lincoln.

Gabriel Hawkins

Percussion Coordinator

Gabriel Hawkins will be joining the Harlem Bulldog Marching Band staff for the 2026 season, and we are excited to welcome him to the team. Gabriel has a strong passion for music that shines through in everything he plays and creates. With a primary focus on percussion, he will be working with the percussion section this season. Gabriel has been playing percussion for 14 years and looks forward to helping students grow both musically and as performers.

Miken Jones

Saxophone Instructor

Miken Jones is 3rd year Music Education major at Georgia Southern University, throughout his time he has played saxophone in various ensembles like the Georgia Southern Jazz Big Band, Georgia Southern University Symphonic Wind Ensemble, and the Southern Quartet. When not at school Miken is heavily involved with First Baptist Church Statesboro as their Worship Intern. Miken is excited to return to Harlem for a second year to assist the band program.

Benjamin Brown

Percussion Technician

Mr. Brown is currently a student at Augusta University where he is pursuing a degree in Special Education with a minor in Music where he plays in the AU Wind Ensemble. Mr. Brown has been playing drums and percussion his whole life and attended Lakeside High School where he played in both the Front Ensemble and the Drumline. In his spare time he loves to spend time with his friends, family and plays drums with his band, “Return to Eden.”

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