Amber Weldon-Stephens is a Music Therapist with the Fulton County Schools. As the leader of this program, she has helped build it to become one of the largest music therapy programs in the United States. She is in constant demand as a guest speaker and clinician. She enjoys working with students of all capabilities and levels, believing that music truly is a gift that is meant to be shared. She lives in Alpharetta with her husband, Scott and their two dogs Rimsky-Korsakov and Hans Zimmer. She is the proud mother of two wonderful kids, Carly and Jared - and loves spending time as a "Lolli" to her grandsons. 

Eric Willoughby has served as Director of Bands at several area high schools and has built a level of excellence at each, while being able to focus on building relationships with students. He is well known for his leadership discussions that aim to help students understand what it means to be servant leaders within their band, school, and community. Busy as a freelance educator, clinician, and adjudicator, his dedication to helping teachers and students keeps him actively involved in music community. He lives in Bartow County with his wife, Rebecca and has three wonderful kids (Sarah Grace, Stephen, & Hannah). 

Dr. Laura Moates Stanley is currenty the Director of Bands at Brookwood High School in Snellville, GA. She has worked at Brookwood for over 20 years, first as Assistant Director and now leads over 300 students enrolled in the award winning band program. A clarinetist, she is in high demand as a clincian, guest conductor, and adjudicator throughout the United States. Currently living in Lilburn with her two children, Chloe and Sean and their new puppy, Laura holds degrees from the University of Georgia and Boston University.

Dr. Josh Byrd currently serves as Director of Bands and Professor of Music at the University of West Georgia. Prior to his appointment he served as Director of Bands at Arrowhead High School in Hartland, Wisconsin and Assistant Director of Bands at Lanier Middle School and Norcross High School in Gwinnett County, Georgia. 

Dr. Byrd is an active clinician, having presented at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, CBDNA National Conference, and multiple times at the GMEA annual in-service conference, including 2018 as the conductor of the UWG Wind Ensemble for the group’s first performance there in over twenty years. In 2020, the Wind Ensemble performed at the CBDNA Southern Division Conference for the first time in the program’s history. Dr. Byrd is a strong advocate of new music, having been part of numerous commissioning consortiums and world premieres during his tenure at UWG. He is also the conductor of the West Georgia Winds, a regional honor band. Dr. Byrd lives in Carrollton with his wife, Katie, and their two children, Tripp and Haley.

Jeremy Trimmer is currently a freelance music educator in the metro Atlanta area. Jeremy previously served as Assistant Director of Bands at Hillgrove High School and Director of Bands at Lost Mountain Middle School - both in Cobb County. Active as a woodwind specialist, he routinely works with band programs in both concert band & jazz ensemble settings, while also working with conducting and leadership students. Jeremy resides in Smyrna, Georgia and holds degrees from the University of Georgia, the University of Illinois, and the University of West Georgia. 

Dr. Koperniak currently serves as the Music Supervisor for the Fulton County Schools. Prior to this appointment, Matt worked at Riverwatch Middle School in Forsyth County, Norcross High School in Gwinnett County, and Jefferson High School in Jackson County. He holds degrees from the University of Georgia & Boston University. Dr. Koperniak recently finished his tenure as the President of the Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA) and continues to be active within the organization, supporting music educators and their students across the state. 

William Owens teaches Music Technology & AP Music Theory at Mountian View High School in Gwinnett County. Having worked as a high school Band Director for the first 15 years of his career, he remains in demand as a clinician and adjudicator across the state of Georgia. Currently living in Hoschton, William holds degrees from the University of Georgia, the University of West Georgia, and is currently working towards his doctorate from Boston University.