Our Staff

Mr. Wills hails from the great state of Louisiana. He spent much of his young life playing music in Mississippi as well, absorbing the rich cultural heritage in those two states. Mr. Wills earned his Eagle Scout rank from B.S.A. at the age of 16. He began teaching in northwestern Mississippi in 2003.

He attended Northwest Mississippi Community College for his first two years of college education. He received his Bachelor of Music Education from Delta State University in Cleveland, MS.

Mr. Wills served 12 years in the United States Marine Corps as a Musician, Horn Instructor at the Naval School of Music, and Small Ensemble Leader. He had the opportunity to travel to distant places such as: Cambodia, Mongolia, Korea, Vietnam, France, American Samoa, and Hawaii. He even got to live on the Hawaiian island of Oahu for an entire year! His travels allowed him to perform for Heads-of-State, Ambassadors, royalty, and many celebrities. He completed his Master of Music Performance in 2008 at San Diego State University while on active duty.

Mr. Wills loves teaching and learning...especially about music. Performing is a joy for him. He is recently married, and has two children and two dogs. He loves to fish, and is always excited for a parade!

Mr. Blackburn is originally from Birmingham, Alabama. He grew up singing in the internationally acclaimed Birmingham Boys Choir and began studying piano from an early age. In addition to his music studies, Mr. Blackburn earned the rank of Eagle Scout from BSA troop 21 at the age of 17.

Mr. Blackburn earned his Bachelor's of Music education from Samford University in Birmingham, AL in 2014 and shortly after accepted a position as Choir Director for Eufaula High School in Eufaula, Alabama. Mr. Blackburn worked as choir director for Eufaula High School from 2014-2017. During his tenure at EHS the choir department tripled in size and began to become known at local and regional music competitions and festivals.

In May of 2020 Mr. Blackburn earned his Master's of Choral Conducting from the University of Southern Mississippi. While at Southern Miss. Mr. Blackburn conducted 4 of the 9 choirs at the university, accompanied the Choral Department on multiple occasions, and taught undergraduate music appreciation.

When Mr. Blackburn is not teaching or performing music he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, especially in the outdoors, be it hiking, camping, or playing disc golf. He lives in New Bern currently with his two cats and his beloved German Shepherd named Rey.