The Clinicians

Matthew Koperniak is the Coordinator of Performing Arts for Fulton County Schools, supporting the music education and music therapy faculty who serve 92,000 students in the Metro Atlanta area. He served as Director of Bands at Riverwatch Middle School from 2008-2018, with performances at The Midwest Clinic, National Concert Festival, NBA/CBDNA Southern Division conferences, GMEA In-Service Conference, University of Alabama, University of Georgia, SEUS Clinic at Troy University, and on “Strike Up the Band” on WABE 90.1 (NPR). Under his direction, the Riverwatch Band Program received the Blue Ribbon National Program of Excellence award from the National Band Association and the Sudler Silver Cup from the John Philip Sousa Foundation. Previous teaching positions include Norcross High School, Johns Creek High School, and Georgia Southern University, as well as serving as Director of the Classic City Community Band in Athens, GA.

Dr. Koperniak currently serves as President of the Georgia Music Educators Association. Previous service includes Advocacy Task Force Chair (2020), State Band Chair (2017-2019), and State Organizer for Middle School All-State Band (2014-2016), as well as 9th District Treasurer (2010-2015) and Solo & Ensemble Host and Organizer (2010-2018). He has served on the Board of Directors of the National Band Association (2018-2020) and is a frequent adjudicator and clinician throughout the United States. He has been published in the Journal of Music Teacher Education and the Music Educators Journal and currently serves as Associate Editor for the music education journal TOPICS (Themes, Opinions, Praxes, Innovations, Curriculum, Strategies). Recent conference presentations include the NAfME national music education research conference, The Midwest Clinic, MayDay Group Colloquium, and the Symposium for LGBTQ Studies & Music Education. He has degrees in music education from Boston University and the University of Georgia, and he is a 2017 recipient of the UGA Alumni Association “40 under 40” award.

Leah Seng is in her fifteenth year at Pizitz Middle School, and her twenty third year of teaching. A pianist and clarinetist, Mrs. Seng is a native of Chelsea, Alabama.

During her tenure at Pizitz, the band performed at The Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic, Music For All National Middle School Band Festival, Southern Division CBDNA/NBA Conference, Music for All Southeastern Regional Concert Band Festival and the Alabama Music Educators Association Professional Development Conference as well as been an invited ensemble at the University of Alabama, Auburn University, Troy University and UAB honor band festivals. The band program has received the NBA Blue Ribbon Award of Excellence and the John Philip Sousa Foundation Sudler Cup. In 2023, the Pizitz Symphonic Band performed at the Music For All Southeastern Regional Concert Band Festival in Atlanta, GA. Since 2023, the Pizitz Band has been awarded over $28,000 in grants written by Mrs. Seng, including an ASCA grant that resulted in a commissioned work by composer Adrian Sims. 

Prior to serving at Pizitz, Mrs. Seng established the band program at Columbiana Middle School. Her bands have been consistently recognized with superior ratings at Alabama’s Music Performance Assessment. In 2018, Mrs. Seng was named the Pizitz Middle School Teacher of the Year. The previous year, she was selected as the Rotary Teacher of the Year for Pizitz. She served on the staff of the University of Alabama Crimson Music Camp from 2001-2013, and is active as a guest clinician and conductor for middle school bands throughout the region. Mrs. Seng is a board member and clarinetist for the Alabama Winds community band. She currently serves as Chairman for District IV of the Alabama Bandmasters Association. She has presented clinic sessions at the Alabama Music Educators Association and Alabama All State Band Festival. 

Mrs. Seng holds the degrees of Bachelor of Science in Music Education from the University of Alabama, Master of Music Education from the University of Georgia, and Educational Specialist in Music Education from the University of Alabama. Her professional affiliations include the National Band Association, National Association for Music Education, Alabama Music Educators Association, and the Alabama Bandmasters Association. In 2022, Mrs. Seng earned National Board Certification in Early and Middle Childhood Music. 

Leah is married to Jordan, and has two children, Julia and Jordan Jr.