Director of Bands
James E. Wilson Jr.
James E. Wilson, Jr. currently serves as and Director of Bands at McEachern High School. He directs the Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band, while co-directing their Marching Band. A native of Marietta, GA, and alumnus of Sprayberry High School and Florida A&M University, Mr. Wilson, graduated with a B.A. in Music Education and while immersed in as many ensembles and societies as possible, including the National Education Association, Florida Music Educators Association, Florida Band Masters Association, and the National Association for Music Education. Mr. Wilson has assisted Franklin County High, Osborne High, and Sprayberry High marching programs, all the while providing private saxophone lessons.
His present affiliations also include Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America and Phi Delta Kappa International Education Organization. Mr. Wilson is and endorsed educator for Cannonball Instruments.
Co-Band Director
Artis B. Staton
Artis Staton currently serves as the Assistant Director of Bands at McEachern High School in Powder Springs, GA. Prior to his current appointment, Mr. Staton served as the Director of Bands at Jean Childs Young Middle School for three years and Midtown High School in Atlanta, Ga for four years. During his tenure at Midtown, Mr. Staton’s concert ensembles received superior ratings at District V Large Group Performance Evaluation. The Midtown Wind Ensemble was a participant of the 2023 Florida A&M Wind Band Festival. In addition to overseeing a successful concert program, Mr. Staton grew the marching band from 18 students to 60 amidst a global pandemic. The Midtown Marching Band was invited to perform in the 2023 All State Sugar Bowl. Mr. Staton also experienced record numbers of GMEA District Honor Band and All State Participants.
Mr. Staton earned his Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Georgia State University and a Master of Music in Music Education from the University of Florida. He currently resides in Austell, GA with his wife Erica and his six-year old son Mason.
Percussion Director - Joseph Stephens
Joseph Stephens is from Newnan, GA, and graduated from East Coweta HS in 2009. He received his Bachelors in Music Education from Jacksonville State University where he studied under Dr. Bodiford, Clint Gillespie, Dr. Tony McCutchen, and Chris Lindley.
During his tenure at Jacksonville State, Mr. Stephens was a member of the Marching Southerners. He was appointed Drum Captain for the 2014 and 2015 seasons and performed in numerous ensembles in the music department. Mr. Stephens also marched in various independent ensembles: Odyssey Percussion Theater (2009), Terminus Atlanta Percussion (2011), Spirit of Atlanta DBC (2013), and Atlanta Quest (2014).
He has instructed many scholastic groups in Georgia and Alabama area including East Coweta HS, Hillgrove HS, North Paulding HS, North Cobb HS, Carrollton HS, South Paulding, Baldwin High School, Albertville HS, Buford HS, East Paulding, Gilmer County HS, Jacksonville HS, Calera HS, Shelby County HS, and St. Clair County HS. He is an active Percussion Composer and Arranger for numerous scholastic and independent programs all over the Southeast United States.
Mr. Stephens currently serves as the Battery Coordinator for Q2 Indoor Percussion Ensemble. He also serves as the Director of Percussion at McEachern High School in Powder Springs, GA and Battery Arranger for the DCA Open Class Finalist Atlanta CV Drum and Bugle Corp.
He endorses Dynasty USA and Bergerault percussion instruments as well as Vic Firth sticks and mallets.
Azia Samuels & Christopher Washington
Guard Director