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The Gathering judges panel's goal is based on the ideal that bands should be judged with equity and fairness, regardless of size and/or style. Characteristic tone is characteristic tone, regardless of who's behind the instrument. Visual precision is visual precision, regardless of whether the knee is lifted or not. The judging philosophy of The Gathering is rooted in objectivity, equity, and providing quality feedback to help positively mold and shape the student musicians in your ensembles.
The Gathering judges panel's goal is based on the ideal that bands should be judged with equity and fairness, regardless of size and/or style. Characteristic tone is characteristic tone, regardless of who's behind the instrument. Visual precision is visual precision, regardless of whether the knee is lifted or not. The judging philosophy of The Gathering is rooted in objectivity, equity, and providing quality feedback to help positively mold and shape the student musicians in your ensembles.
Jimmy Mauney - Visual
Jimmy Mauney - Visual
Jimmy Mauney is a native of Douglas County and a graduate of Lithia Springs HS. He attended the University of Georgia and West Georgia College with studies in saxophone and voice.
Mr. Mauney is a retired music educator with 30 years teaching experience. He held band teaching positions with Stewart, Taylor, Upson, and Carroll County schools systems.
Mr. Mauney has served as an adjudicator/clinician at numerous marching band and concert band events throughout Georgia and Alabama. Mauney currently works as a retail music specialist with Ken Stanton Music.
Dr. Jeffrey Hughley - Music
Dr. Jeffrey Hughley - Music
A native of Tuskegee, Alabama, Jeffrey D. Hughley received the Bachelor of Music Education from Alabama State University and a Master of Music Education from Troy University. Dr. Hughley also received his Educational Specialist in Teacher Leadership from the University of West Alabama and a second Master of Education in Instructional Leadership from Auburn University at Montgomery. Dr. Hughley recently received the Doctor of Education (Ed.D) in Music Education from the University of Georgia in Athens. Dr. Hughley is in his seventeenth year as a music educator. He began his teaching career in Tuskegee, Alabama, where he served as director of bands and department chair of the fine arts at Booker T. Washington High School. Under his tutelage, the symphonic and marching bands received superior ratings at Music Performance Assessment and the national level. He also taught music appreciation, symphonic band, and woodwind methods at Alabama State University. Before coming to Dutchtown High school, Dr. Hughley was the director of bands at Baldwin Arts and Academics Magnet School in Montgomery, Alabama.
Dr. Hughley recently finished his fifth year as assistant director bands at Dutchtown High School in Hampton, Ga. Dr. Hughley's responsibilities include co-teach Concert band, assisting with the Wind Symphony, and conductor for the Symphonic Band. The Dutchtown Symphonic Band has consistently received straight superior ratings at Large Group Performance Evaluation since Dr. Hughley has been the conductor. Dr. Hughley is a member of the Georgia Music Educators Association, National Band Association, Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor Society in Education, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.
Marcus Chester -- Music
Marcus Chester -- Music
Marcus D. Chester is a seasoned music educator and band director, whose passion for music education has shaped the lives of countless students over the years. Born and raised in Augusta, GA, Marcus graduated from Butler High School in 1998 beforeembarking on his journey in music education.
He began his collegiate career at Morris Brown College before transferring to Fort Valley State University, where his talents as a trombonist flourished. As a dedicated member of the concert and jazz bands, Marcus earned the prestigious position of first chairtrombone. His leadership extended to the realm of marching bands, where he served as section leader, drum major, and student director in the renowned FVSU Blue Machine Marching Band.
In 2006, Mr. Chester proudly obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in music from Fort Valley State University. Eager to share his passion for music with others, he returned to Augusta to assume the role of director of bands at Lucy C. Laney and later at theAcademy of Richmond.
Continuing his pursuit of excellence in music education, Mr. Chester earned his Masters of Music Education from the University of Georgia in 2012. His commitment to his craft led him to the metro area, where he served as assistant director at Lindley MiddleSchool in Cobb County.
In 2017, Mr. Chester took on the role of band director at New Manchester High School, where his leadership transformed the program into a powerhouse. Under his guidance, the band program experienced unprecedented growth and success, earning numerous superior ratings, competition victories, and prestigious performance opportunities, including participation in the Chicago Thanksgiving parade. He currently serves as the Director of Bands at Campbell High School in Smyrna, Georgia.
Mr. Chester's dedication to music education extends beyond the classroom. He holds an Education Specialist degree from Piedmont University and actively engages as a clinician, arranger, drill writer, and adjudicator for bands across the metro area. A proudmember of PAGE and the Georgia Music Educator Association (GMEA), Mr. Chester also maintains his ties to his alma mater as a charter member of the Lambda Zeta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity at FVSU.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Mr. Chester enjoys composing and arranging music, honing his musical skills through performances, and indulging in his love for movies, games, and quality time with family and friends. As a member of Kappa AlphaPsi Fraternity, Mr. Chester exemplifies excellence in both his personal and professional pursuits, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music education.
He began his collegiate career at Morris Brown College before transferring to Fort Valley State University, where his talents as a trombonist flourished. As a dedicated member of the concert and jazz bands, Marcus earned the prestigious position of first chairtrombone. His leadership extended to the realm of marching bands, where he served as section leader, drum major, and student director in the renowned FVSU Blue Machine Marching Band.
In 2006, Mr. Chester proudly obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in music from Fort Valley State University. Eager to share his passion for music with others, he returned to Augusta to assume the role of director of bands at Lucy C. Laney and later at theAcademy of Richmond.
Continuing his pursuit of excellence in music education, Mr. Chester earned his Masters of Music Education from the University of Georgia in 2012. His commitment to his craft led him to the metro area, where he served as assistant director at Lindley MiddleSchool in Cobb County.
In 2017, Mr. Chester took on the role of band director at New Manchester High School, where his leadership transformed the program into a powerhouse. Under his guidance, the band program experienced unprecedented growth and success, earning numerous superior ratings, competition victories, and prestigious performance opportunities, including participation in the Chicago Thanksgiving parade. He currently serves as the Director of Bands at Campbell High School in Smyrna, Georgia.
Mr. Chester's dedication to music education extends beyond the classroom. He holds an Education Specialist degree from Piedmont University and actively engages as a clinician, arranger, drill writer, and adjudicator for bands across the metro area. A proudmember of PAGE and the Georgia Music Educator Association (GMEA), Mr. Chester also maintains his ties to his alma mater as a charter member of the Lambda Zeta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity at FVSU.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Mr. Chester enjoys composing and arranging music, honing his musical skills through performances, and indulging in his love for movies, games, and quality time with family and friends. As a member of Kappa AlphaPsi Fraternity, Mr. Chester exemplifies excellence in both his personal and professional pursuits, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music education.
Damien Gaiters -- Visual
Damien Gaiters -- Visual
Damien Gaiters currently serves as Assistant Director of Bands at South Cobb High School. Mr. Gaiters is responsible for Brass Studies and Concert Band as well as co-directing the Wind Ensemble, Marching Band, and Jazz Band. Mr. Gaiters is an alumnus of Jacksonville State University, where he graduated with honors with a B.A. in Music Education.
Mr. Gaiters has served as Director of Bands at Douglas County High School, New Manchester High School, and Lithia Springs High. He also served as the New Manchester High School Fine Arts Magnet Director and the Douglas County School System Band Resource Teacher, while serving as a clinician, adjudicator, and providing private instrumental and conducting lessons.
Stephanie Gaiters - Drum Majors
Stephanie Gaiters - Drum Majors
Stephanie Gaiters is entering her twentieth year in education. 18 of which she has spent in the Cobb County School District housed at Kemp Elementary. During her tenure there she has taught 1st, 2nd, 3rd, & 4th. Mrs. Gaiters has received honors and accolades during her time She was Kemp Elem. Teach of the Year for 2020 and 2021. Mrs. Gaiters has served as an Drum Major adjudicator, Visual Tech and Dance Choreographer across Alabama and Georgia.
Mrs. Gaiters has been married for 18 years and is the mother of two beautiful children Brandon and Breonna.
Kevin Scales - Percussion
Kevin Scales - Percussion
Kevin Scales is a dedicated music educator with eight years of experience. Throughout his career, he has taught music and band in Clayton, DeKalb, and Rockdale counties, leaving a lasting impact on students and fostering a love and appreciation for music.
With a strong educational background, Kevin earned a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Georgia Southern University. He furthered his education at Youngstown State University, obtaining a Master's degree in Music Performing with a focus on Instrumental Conducting. Seeking to expand his expertise, he pursued studies in Educational Leadership at the University of West Georgia.
Currently, Kevin serves as an assistant principal in Newton County Public Schools, where he continues to make a positive impact on students' lives and contribute to the growth and development of the educational community. With his experience as both an educator and a musician, he brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to his role.
Kevin's dedication to music education and his commitment to student success make him a valuable asset to the educational field. He remains enthusiastic about his work and looks forward to inspiring the next generation of musicians and leaders.
Tiffany Stenson - Guard
Tiffany Stenson - Guard
Kin Scott - Dance
Kin Scott - Dance
Jimmy Jucks - 1:1 Clinician
Jimmy Jucks - 1:1 Clinician
Artis Staton - 1:1 Clinician
Artis Staton - 1:1 Clinician
Artis Staton currently serves as the Assistant Director of Bands at McEachern High School in Powder Springs, GA. His primary duties include instructing the McEachern Symphonic Band and Concert Band as well as instructing the McEachern Marching Band. Under his direction, these ensembles have received superior ratings on the concert stage and the marching field.
Prior to his current appointment, Mr. Staton served as the Director of Bands at Midtown High School in Atlanta, Ga for four years and the Director of Bands at Jean Childs Young Middle School for three years. During his tenure at Midtown, Mr. Staton’s concert ensembles received superior ratings at District V Large Group Performance Evaluation. The Midtown Wind Ensemble was a participant of the 2023 Florida A&M Wind Band Festival. In addition to overseeing a successful concert program, Mr. Staton grew the marching band from 18 students to 60 amidst a global pandemic. The Midtown Marching Band was invited to perform in the 2023 All State Sugar Bowl. Mr. Staton also experienced record numbers of GMEA District Honor Band and All State Participants.
Mr. Staton earned his Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Georgia State University and a Master of Music in Music Education from the University of Florida. He currently resides in Austell, GA with his wife Erica and his seven-year old son Mason.
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