Band Staff

Dustin G. Wallace attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) and received his BA in music education in May of 2017.  Mr. Wallace started his teaching career at Wilkes Central Middle and High School in 2017. He restarted the competitive marching band program at Wilkes Central, created an after-school percussion ensemble program, and helped his students to earn the school's first Straight Superior Rating at MPA in over 15 years. He then moved to Charlotte and became the band director at South Mecklenburg High School in 2019. At South Meck he reinstated the Winter Guard program in 2020 and helped lead the guard to an undefeated inaugural season, that was unfortunately cut short due to the Covid-19 pandemic.  In the fall of 2021, Mr. Wallace happily accepted the position of band director at East Lincoln High School.

 Mr. Wallace was a Young Director Award of Excellence nominee in 2021 for the South Central District Bandmasters Association. He is also an active member of the North Carolina Bandmasters Association serving as the High School All-State Honors Band representative for the South Central District.

Mr. Wallace has many years of marching experience. He was a member of the Carolina Gold Drum and Bugle Corps in 2011, 2012, and 2014. He was also a member of the World Class, Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps in 2014 and 2015.

Mr. Wallace moved to Stanley, NC in 2022 where he lives with his dog, Delta, and plans to stay for a long time to build a career here at East Lincoln High School.

After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education with concentrations in both Instrumental and Choral Music from Western Carolina University in 2003, Dustin B. Stamey accepted the Director of Bands position at East Lincoln High School where he continued a rich tradition of excellence with his students and the East Lincoln community from 2003-2011. Under his direction, the Bands of East Lincoln earned numerous recognitions in all genres of the activity including over thirty Superior ratings at North Carolina Music Educator Association events in concert band, marching band and jazz band. The ELHS “Showband of the Carolinas” and the Winter Guard International World Championship Finalist “Cheval” Winter Guard received numerous awards, accolades and recognitions both regionally and nationally in the marching and pageantry arts during his tenure. Mr. Stamey has continued to serve as the Program Coordinator for the Bands of East Lincoln since 2011. 

In addition to his responsibilities at ELHS, Mr. Stamey served the North Carolina Bandmasters Association as the Chairman of the Marching Band Committee from 2008-2010. As chairman, he was instrumental in the establishment and development of the Marching Band Music Performance Adjudication system used today and often serves as an adjudicator at marching band events in NC. 

Mr. Stamey received his Master of Arts in Executive Leadership Studies from Gardner-Webb University in 2013 and served as a school administrator from 2011-2020. Currently, Mr. Stamey is Head of Leadership Programs, for ISS Facility Services - North America. 

Mr. Stamey is the proud dad of his daughter, Hensleigh - a freshman Horn/Mellophone player in the EL Band program, and resides in Denver, NC.

Since 2004, Rachel Frye has served as the East Lincoln Guard Director, but her connection to the East Lincoln Band program began in 1994 when she joined the colorguard as a freshman. Under the direction of Neil Underwood, the "Showband of the Carolinas" grew from 120 to over 200 members during her time in high school. That year, the band placed 6th at the BOA Southeast Regional. Over her high school career, Mrs. Frye had the opportunity to perform at the Georgia Dome, the RCA Dome at BOA Grand Nationals, ETSU arena, and the Jacksonville Jaguars stadium for the Gator Bowl. As a senior, she was Sabre Captain and participated in the reinstated winter guard program in 1998.

After graduating from NC State University as a North Carolina Teaching Fellow and spending a year teaching in Harnett County, Mrs. Frye returned home in 2003 to teach English at ELHS. In 2004, she joined Dustin Stamey’s band staff.

Over the past 20 years, Mrs. Frye’s steady leadership—supported by five band directors and countless boosters—has elevated Cheval to a recognized and ranked program locally, regionally, and nationally. The program has earned 19 circuit medals and multiple WGI Regional and World Championship finalist honors. Yet, Mrs. Frye remains committed to prioritizing class and character above accolades—on and off the field.

Cheval has become a true family affair. Her daughter Sarah performed from 2018–2022, and Hensleigh now marches mellophone and spins in the winter. Her husband Scott helps on pit crew, while her mother Becky Hensley and sister Catherine Mosely (also an East Lincoln Band alum) assist with flag production.

In 2023, Mrs. Frye was named Southwest Region Teacher of the Year, leading to her current role as Teacher Support Specialist for Lincoln County Schools. Though her office is no longer at East, she continues to lead the guard, joined by alumni Brandon Nichols and Allison Shive.

This year marks Mrs. Frye’s 31st with the East Lincoln Band—and her 21st fall leading the Cheval Guard! 

Brandon Nichols is the Colorguard Caption Head of the East Lincoln High School Marching Band (2023 – Present). A native of Denver, North Carolina, he is a graduate of East Lincoln High School (class of 2011). Brandon also graduated with a degree in music education from Western Carolina University (class of 2015).

Over the years, Brandon has worked with many programs in North Carolina. He also currently works as the Colorguard Director at UNC Charlotte “Pride of Niner Nation” Marching Band (2018-present) and Etude Winterguard (2022-present). Brandon has served on staff at Tuscola High School (2012–2013), East Lincoln High School (2015–2016), Mooresville High School (2016), Metanoia Winterguard (2018-2020), North Lincoln High School (2017-2023) and Catawba Ridge High School (2023).

Brandon has performed with Etude Winterguard (2016–2017, 2019), Olympic Independent (2015), Reynolda Winterguard (2014), WCU Winterguard (2013), and East Lincoln ‘Cheval’ Winterguard (2009-2011). He also performed in the WCU “Pride of the Mountains” Marching Band (2011–2014) on trumpet and colorguard.

Aside from his active colorguard schedule, Brandon is the Director of Bands at Long Creek Elementary School (2018-present) in Huntersville, North Carolina. He currently recides in Mooresville with his fiancé, William, and their 5 animals. They have a Pitbull named Tasha, a Great Dane named Katya, and three cats named Spencer, Loki, and Lilli.

Nick Rodriguez has served on the ELHS "Showband of the Carolinas" Staff since 2015. 

Nick is a 2010 graduate of East Lincoln High School where he marched 5 seasons in the brass section. He went on to Western Carolina University and was a performing member of the "Pride if the Mountains" Marching Band for 5 seasons. During that time he was a participant in Drum Corp International for 3 summers - spending 2 seasons with finalist group Spirit of Atlanta, and 1 season with the bronze medalist Cadets. 

Nick lives in Stanley, NC with his wife, Carmen, and their precious daughter, Natalie (who is about to become a big sister!!!) and their pack of Pugs. 

Alaina Henning (formerly Smith) is a proud alumna of East Lincoln High School, where she developed her roots in music as a flute player, section leader, and drum major of the Showband of the Carolinas. Additionally, Alaina was a committed member of the Cheval Winter Guard and helped the group attain its first ever WGI Championship Finals placement. 

Alaina pursued Music Education and Performance at Western Carolina University where she studied under Dr. Eldred Spell. She participated in the Pride of the Mountains Marching Band as a marching member and non-marching staff. Notably, Alaina had the opportunity to perform at high-profile events such as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and BOA Grand Nationals. Upon graduation, she became the Band Director at H.E. Winkler Middle School in Cabarrus County, where she supported the Jay M. Robinson Marching Band as the Assistant Director of Bands. She then transitioned to Mooresville Graded School District where she served as Assistant Band Director for both Mooresville Middle and High Schools. Throughout her time as a music educator, Alaina made great strides in recruitment, student leadership, and fundraising. 

Alaina transitioned to the nonprofit sector in 2019, where she continues to work every day to raise funds for critical and deserving causes impacting youth and young adults in our community. Since then, she has remained closely involved with the marching arts, specifically working with the Jay M. Robinson Marching Band until 2023. Alaina joined the ELHS Marching Band staff in 2024.

Bio Coming Soon! 

Bio Coming Soon! 

Jennifer Beck grew up in Lexington, North Carolina and is an alumnus of the Central Davidson Bands program. While a student of James Daugherty at Central Davidson, she participated in competitive marching band, concert band, and auditioned at the county, district, and state levels during her time as a student. In high school, Ms. Beck attended Cannon Music Camp at Appalachian State University.

Ms. Beck graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. While at Appalachian State, Ms. Beck performed in the Appalachian Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Basketball pep band and ASU Marching Mountaineers. Ms. Beck was an active member of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity and held the positions of Vice President and President of the organization. Ms. Beck also had the opportunity to lead the Marching Mountaineers as Drum Major her senior year.

Prior to her appointment at East Lincoln, Ms. Beck was the Director of Bands at Wheatmore High School. Under Ms. Beck’s direction, the program found success in competitive marching band, solo and ensemble, county, district, state events, and the NC Music Performance Adjudication performance. The Concert Band received multiple superior ratings and in May 2017 received a Proclamation of Congratulations from Mayor Jesse Hill of Trinity, NC.

In July 2018, Ms. Beck was named the Director of Bands at East Lincoln Middle School. Ms. Beck looks forward to continuing the tradition of excellence and pride that is found at East Lincoln.

Ms. Beck is a member of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, the National Association for Music Education, the North Carolina Music Educators Association, and Women Band Directors International.

Bio Coming Soon! 

" Since I can remember - music has been a huge part of my life." 

Trevor Griggs started playing Trombone in 5th grade and joined his high school marching band in 9th grade. He attended Western Carolina University and was a member of the "Pride of the Mountains" Marching Band for five years (2010-2015). He was also a member of the 2012 Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps marching Baritone. 

Trevor currently lives in Atlanta, GA with his girlfriend and their two cats.