Staff

Justin Collis has lived in Greenville NC for 11 years. Mr. Collis is a local musician who specializes in Woodwind Doubling and plays frequently in musicals as well as directs them, some notable are Avenue Q, Wizard of Oz, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, La Cage, and more. Mr. Collis comes with a large knowledge of leading and serving. Mr. Collis enjoys spending time with his wife, Rochelle, his two children, Andy, and GG, and their two dogs Dusty and Suki. Mr. Collis is excited to be leading the ensemble in a new direction as he works to continue the legacy of this ensemble! Welcome, Mr. Collis! 

Mr. Dale Cox, originally from Greenville, North Carolina, is currently a senior at East Carolina University, pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Flute Performance. He obtained his High School Diploma from D.H Conley High School where he actively participated in various music groups such as the DHC Marching Vikings, Concert Band/Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Band. 

Over the past six years, Mr. Cox has been a representative of East Carolina University and the School of Music. He has held various leadership positions, including Co-President of Musical Empowerment, President and Vice President of ECU's chapter of the Student North Carolina Association of Educators (SNCAE), The Region 7 Representative for the State Board of SNCAE, and Sergeant-at-Arms and Corresponding Secretary of the Kappa Sigma chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity. During his time at ECU, he has performed with multiple groups, including Jazz Band B, Pep Band, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, University Chorale, Trombone Choir, Flute Choir, and the Marching Pirates. He has held principal chairs in the Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, and Symphonic Band as Principal Flutist, and in the Concert Band as Principal Horn. Additionally, he is the Drum Major/Wind Tech of the Ayden-Grifton Marching Chargers, the J.H Rose High School Marching Rampants, and the D.H Conley Marching Vikings. Mr. Cox is an active member of various organizations such as the National Education Association (NEA), the North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE), the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), and more. 

Mr. Cox is a sought-after wind instrumentalist and accompanist for many performances, such as musicals (including brass and woodwind performances in The Addams Family, La Cage aux Folles, Beauty and the Beast, Avenue Q, and more), concerts (to include choir, band, and orchestra), and more. Cox has performed many Christmas performances around Eastern North Carolina during the season, including the 2022 Nutcracker. Cox is also a sought-after clinician, a judge in the past few years for the High School All-District Band flute auditions. 

 Mr. Cox, the founder of The Pride & Joy Saxophone Ensemble in Greenville, NC started this out as a small group of 7 at his alma mater, Mr. Cox has helped the ensemble into a thriving community of musicians, with an average of 30 members in just six years. Not content with existing repertoire, Mr. Cox has commissioned notable composers such as Mr. Kevin Day to expand the Saxophone Ensemble's musical offerings. Collaborating with local schools like East Carolina, the ensemble has produced concerts and premiered works that contribute to the chamber ensemble's music repertoire. The Saxophone Ensemble has shared its talents in various locations throughout North Carolina, including Greenville, Farmville, and Grimesland, as well as out of state in Fairfax, Virginia. Mr. Cox continuously challenges his musicians by programming more difficult music. What began as a six-saxophone group has now grown to encompass over 30 players, including saxophonists, percussionists, pianists, and a string bass player! 

It is Mr. Cox's plan to attain his Associate Degree in the Arts and Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance from East Carolina University by the Fall of 2024. Following his graduation, he intends to pursue his master's degree. He strongly supports the concept of chamber ensembles and aims to make significant contributions in this area in the years to come.