Empowering Young Women Through Music

Athena
Athena
  • Home
  • About
    • Faculty
    • FAQ
    • Gallery
    • Contact
  • Programs
    • Honor Band
    • Summer Camp
    • Summits
  • Muse Team
  • Support
  • Financial Awards
  • More
    • Home
    • About
      • Faculty
      • FAQ
      • Gallery
      • Contact
    • Programs
      • Honor Band
      • Summer Camp
      • Summits
    • Muse Team
    • Support
    • Financial Awards
  • Sign In
  • Create Account

  • My Account
  • Signed in as:

  • filler@godaddy.com


  • My Account
  • Sign out

Signed in as:

filler@godaddy.com

  • Home
  • About
    • Faculty
    • FAQ
    • Gallery
    • Contact
  • Programs
    • Honor Band
    • Summer Camp
    • Summits
  • Muse Team
  • Support
  • Financial Awards

Account

  • My Account
  • Sign out

  • Sign In
  • My Account

ATHENA SUMMITS

REGISTER NOW

Are you a school or an organization sponsoring students?

If your school or booster club will sponsor your students' Athena Summit registration, click below to request an invoice. Parents must still complete the online registration form, minus the payment.

Request an invoice

WHAT IS THE ATHENA SUMMIT?

What It's About

This one-day Athena experience includes a hands-on day of making music, empowerment, networking, and sharing in a supportive and collaborative space for young women. End the day with fresh ideas to improve your playing, and inspiration for what's next as a musician and leader. 

What to Expect

We provide leadership training through workshops, masterclasses, and mentoring sessions. Attendees leave with the skills, confidence, and inspiration to lead in their musical and school communities.

REGISTER NOW

Who Should Attend

Who Should Attend

Each Athena Summit has tracks for:


6th-8th Graders

9th-12th Graders

College Students

Band Directors

2025-2026 Dates and Rates

JULY 12

SEPTEMBER 20

AUGUST 16

IOWA

Southeast Polk High School

9am to 3pm


Clinicians: 

Marguerite Wilder, GIA Publications

Pat Toben, Sioux City Public Schools

Zandra Bell-McRoy, Athena Faculty

Clinician Bios


Presented in partnership with the

Southeast Polk High School Band


Registration is now closed. 

See you next year!

AUGUST 16

SEPTEMBER 20

AUGUST 16

GEORGIA

University of Georgia

Hugh Hodgson School of Music

9am to 3pm


Clinicians:

Erin Cole Steele, Conn Selmer, Inc.

Mia Athanas Faulkner, University of Georgia

Zandra Bell-McRoy, Athena Faculty

Sarah Dietrich, Athena Faculty

Clinician Bios


Registration closes August 1, 2025

Only $89 ($25 for College Students)

Includes all sessions and activities, 

lunch, and a Summit t-shirt!


Tracks for:

6th-8th Graders, 9th-12th Graders, 

College Band Members, Band Directors


6th graders must have at least one year of playing experience.


Presented in partnership with the 

University of Georgia Bands

REGISTER NOW FOR GEORGIA

SEPTEMBER 20

SEPTEMBER 20

SEPTEMBER 20

ALABAMA

University of Alabama at Birmingham

9am to 3pm 


Clinicians:

Lori Hart, Guntersville HS (ret.)

Cara Morantz, Univ. of Alabama at Birmingham

Marguerite Wilder, GIA Publications

Zandra Bell-McRoy, Athena Faculty

Clinician Bios


Registration closes September 6, 2025

Only $89 ($25 for College Students)

Includes all sessions and activities, 

lunch, and a Summit t-shirt!


Tracks for:

7th-8th Graders, 9th-12th Graders

College Band Members, Band Directors


Presented in partnership with the 

University of Alabama at Birmingham Bands

REGISTER NOW FOR ALABAMA

NOVEMBER 1

NOVEMBER 15

SEPTEMBER 20

WASHINGTON

North Seattle College

9am to 3pm

Presented in partnership with the

 Formation Wind Band

Register by October 18, 2025 

CHECK BACK SOON

NOVEMBER 15

NOVEMBER 15

NOVEMBER 15

TEXAS

Cheek Middle School, Denton ISD

9am to 3pm

Presented in partnership with the

 Cheek Middle School Band

Register by November 2, 2025

CHECK BACK SOON

MARCH 28

NOVEMBER 15

NOVEMBER 15

PENNSYLVANIA

Penn State University

10am to 4pm

Register by March 14, 2026

CHECK BACK SOON

Download an Athena Summit Flyer to Share with your Community

Georgia Summit (English) (png)

Download

Georgia Summit (Spanish) (png)

Download

Alabama Summit (English) (png)

Download

Alabama Summit (Spanish) (png)

Download

Washington Summit (English) (png)

Download

WHAT ATTENDEES ARE SAYING

"It was really interesting to talk to the female role models that were very successful and willing to share any information they had with us. Everyone was very friendly and fun to talk to."

"I loved every moment. Coming in I thought it would be very routine and boring but I loved it so much! I felt like they were all hearing me and wanted to get to know me. I felt empowered with all the amazing and talented women." 

"I am a drum major back at my high school and learned a lot of skills that I'm definitely going to take with me next marching season. The Athena Summit has helped me gain experience and left me with more confidence."

"I enjoyed getting to hear everyone's stories and how they got into band. In my band classes at school there's not a lot of girls and we aren't taken very seriously by my peers. Being able to be in a group where there's an understanding of mutual respect is really nice."

"I liked the people and the fact we all loved the same thing. We were all there to not only help each other, but to learn as one."

REGISTER NOW

"I loved getting to meet and make connections with other women in the field. Just being in that atmosphere was really enjoyable for me, I felt genuinely supported and empowered the whole time I was there."

2025-2026 SUMMIT CLINICIANS

Dr. Zandra Bell-McRoy

Dr. Mia Athanas Faulkner

Dr. Zandra Bell-McRoy

ATHENA FACULTY

All Summit Locations


Dr. Zandra Bell-McRoy is a passionate music educator, performer, and consultant committed to empowering musicians through excellence, creativity, and purpose. With a strong foundation in performing, teaching, and research, she brings over two decades of experience in education, performing, and mentoring s

ATHENA FACULTY

All Summit Locations


Dr. Zandra Bell-McRoy is a passionate music educator, performer, and consultant committed to empowering musicians through excellence, creativity, and purpose. With a strong foundation in performing, teaching, and research, she brings over two decades of experience in education, performing, and mentoring students and educators at various levels—from early learners to professionals.

A dynamic leader and advocate for musical independence, Zandra champions a fundamentals-first approach while encouraging students and artists to steward their gifts with integrity and intention. She has served in educational, performance, and advisory roles for schools, arts organizations, and community programs. She is particularly recognized for her expertise in music program development, leadership training, and teacher development.

Zandra is also an active performer and clinician, with a deep belief in music’s power to shape lives and strengthen communities. Her work embodies a distinctive blend of artistic excellence, academic rigor, and heartfelt service. 

Sarah Dietrich

Dr. Mia Athanas Faulkner

Dr. Zandra Bell-McRoy

GEORGIA

August 16, 2025

  

Sarah Dietrich holds a percussion performance degree from Western Michigan University, as well as a degree in music education from Kennesaw State University.   As an undergraduate she studied with Judy Moonert and Mark Guthrie, and in 2000 moved to the Atlanta area to continue timpani study with Mark Yancich. An ac

GEORGIA

August 16, 2025

  

Sarah Dietrich holds a percussion performance degree from Western Michigan University, as well as a degree in music education from Kennesaw State University.   As an undergraduate she studied with Judy Moonert and Mark Guthrie, and in 2000 moved to the Atlanta area to continue timpani study with Mark Yancich. An active performer, she has performed with the Kalamazoo, Columbus, Macon, and Savannah symphony orchestras, as well as a substitute for the Chattanooga Symphony and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. 

As an educator, she has led percussion studies at McCleskey Middle School, Mabry Middle School, McClure Middle School, Kell High School,  

Allatoona High School, and Kennesaw Mountain High School, as well as is an adjunct percussion educator at Emory University. Sarah is an active percussion clinician and adjudicator and has presented at the Music for All Summer Symposium and the Spirit Camp at Jacksonville State University. 

Along with her husband Rick, Sarah founded Sound Art Percussion, a company that works to build resources and communication tools that provide pedagogical and logistical information to band directors, percussion instructors, and percussion performers of all ages and experience levels.

Dr. Mia Athanas Faulkner

Dr. Mia Athanas Faulkner

Dr. Mia Athanas Faulkner

GEORGIA

August 16, 2025

  

Myriam Athanas Faulkner is the Assistant Director of Athletic Bands in the Hugh Hodgson School of Music at the University of Georgia. Dr. Athanas earned a Ph.D. and an M.M.Ed. from the University of Georgia, and graduated summa cum laude with a B.M. in Music Education from Kennesaw State University. Her research in

GEORGIA

August 16, 2025

  

Myriam Athanas Faulkner is the Assistant Director of Athletic Bands in the Hugh Hodgson School of Music at the University of Georgia. Dr. Athanas earned a Ph.D. and an M.M.Ed. from the University of Georgia, and graduated summa cum laude with a B.M. in Music Education from Kennesaw State University. Her research interests include pre-service teacher training, scale development, and broad applications of assessment and educational measurement in music education. She continues to present research at the international and national levels. 

Dr. Athanas has a background in teaching secondary instrumental music education, specifically at the middle school band level. She was formerly the Associate Director of Bands at Mabry Middle School, in Marietta, GA. She has been on the instructional staff for the Lassiter High School Band, the Wheeler High School Band, and the University of Georgia Redcoat Band. At the collegiate level, she has instructed courses in woodwind techniques and pedagogy, secondary instrumental teaching techniques, and has assisted with Secondary Instrumental Methods, Music Techniques and Field Experiences for Children, music education seminar, graduate Research in Music Education, as well as supervised and prepared pre-service teachers for certification during their student teaching.  

Dr. Athanas studied flute performance with Christina Smith and Alison Gillon and was a member of the Cobb Wind Symphony from 2013-2018. She is also an active member of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), the Society for Music Teacher Education (SMTE), and the Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA).

Lori Hart

Dr. Mia Athanas Faulkner

Dr. Mia Athanas Faulkner

ALABAMA

September 20, 2025

  

All bands, small to large, beginning band to college level, are essential. This has been the guiding force behind the career of Lori K. Hart. Recently retired from Guntersville High School, after 46 years as a music educator, Lori has championed the band cause in schools across the Southeast. She is a proud grad

ALABAMA

September 20, 2025

  

All bands, small to large, beginning band to college level, are essential. This has been the guiding force behind the career of Lori K. Hart. Recently retired from Guntersville High School, after 46 years as a music educator, Lori has championed the band cause in schools across the Southeast. She is a proud graduate of Troy State University and prior to becoming Director of Bands at Guntersville High School in 2022, she served 15 years as the Director of Bands at Wicksburg High School.

Bands under Ms. Hart’s direction have enjoyed consistent superior ratings, Best in Class awards, and Grand Championships including the 2021 Alabama 3A Marching Band Champion. The Wicksburg High School Symphonic Band, under Ms. Hart’s direction, performed at the 2020 Alabama Music Educators Professional Development Conference.

Lori has served in multi-faceted administrative roles – a principal, fine arts coordinator, district chairperson, and is currently serving as the Immediate Past President of the Alabama Bandmasters Association, and only the third woman elected to that position and the second woman to serve. During Ms. Hart’s time as ABA District VIII Chairman, she established the John M. Long Memorial Scholarship for deserving band students in the district. In 2019 and 2021 her peers elected Ms. Hart as the Wicksburg High School Teacher of the Year, and in 2020 she earned the honor of Secondary Teacher of the Year for Houston County Schools. In April of 2024, Lori was presented with the Outstanding Bandmaster Award from the Rho Chapter of Phi Beta Mu. She most recently was selected as one of the 50 Music Teachers Who Make a Difference by the School Band and Orchestra Magazine for 2024.

Sought throughout the United States as a clinician and educator, Ms. Hart’s recent engagements include the Midwest Clinic, The Honor Band of Nevada, SEUS Middle School Honor Band, UNA Honor Band, SEUS High School Honor Band and numerous All-District and All-County Honor Bands. In 2021, Lori was honored to present a leadership clinic to the student leaders of the Troy University Sound of the South. Ms. Hart is currently serving as the President of the Troy University Band Alumni Association.

Lori serves the band community faithfully through her involvement in professional organizations including the National Band Association, ASBDA, NAfME, AMEA, Alabama Bandmasters Association, and Tau Beta Sigma, where she holds a lifetime membership. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Southeastern United States Concert Band Clinic and Honor Bands. In 2020, Ms. Hart was elected to membership in Phi Beta Mu and received the Citation of Excellence from the National Band Association. A proud cancer survivor, she serves as a volunteer for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

As an advocate for young directors, Lori has spent a great deal of time mentoring across the state. She believes strongly in an inclusive atmosphere where the desire to learn and flourish, exemplified by young directors, may be given motivation and direction thus improving the outlook for the future of Music Education in Alabama.

Dr. Tonya Mitchell-Spradlin

Dr. Tonya Mitchell-Spradlin

Dr. Tonya Mitchell-Spradlin

PENNSYLVANIA

March 28, 2026

  

Dr. Tonya Mitchell-Spradlin is Director of Wind Band Studies and Assistant Professor of Music at Penn State University. In addition to conducting the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, overseeing the graduate wind conducting program, teaching courses in wind band literature and wind conducting, she oversees all aspects o

PENNSYLVANIA

March 28, 2026

  

Dr. Tonya Mitchell-Spradlin is Director of Wind Band Studies and Assistant Professor of Music at Penn State University. In addition to conducting the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, overseeing the graduate wind conducting program, teaching courses in wind band literature and wind conducting, she oversees all aspects of the concert band programs at Penn State. Her appointment at PSU follows three years as Assistant Director of Bands and Associate Director of Athletic Bands at the University of South Carolina. Prior to her tenure at UofSC, Mitchell-Spradlin taught at Valdosta State University as Director of Athletic Bands and was Director of Bands at Chamblee High School in Chamblee, Georgia.

Mitchell-Spradlin has a diverse background as a clinician, adjudicator, educator, and speaker. She is a frequent guest conductor, and has presented regionally at the South Carolina Music Educators Association Conference, nationally at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic, internationally at the International Society for the Promotion of Wind Band in Austria, and has served as Tau Beta Sigma’s local and national Women in Music Speaker.

As a proponent of new music, she is engaged in building the wind band medium. She led the consortium and premiere of Aaron Perrine’s Beneath a Canvas of Green for wind ensemble and percussion quartet which was also the source of her doctoral dissertation. Additionally, she is active in a number of premieres and consortiums for new music.

Mitchell-Spradlin serves as the National Vice President of Professional Relations for Tau Beta Sigma: National Honorary Band Sorority. She also holds memberships in Kappa Kappa Psi, the College Band Directors National Association, National Association for Music Education, and Women Band Directors International.

Dr. Cara Morantz

Dr. Tonya Mitchell-Spradlin

Dr. Tonya Mitchell-Spradlin

ALABAMA

September 20, 2025


Cara Morantz joined the faculty at the University of Alabama at Birmingham as Assistant Director of Bands in the fall of 2014. She is a part of the instructional team for the Marching Blazers, the Wind Symphony and Symphony Band, and the Blazer Bands. In addition, she provides instruction in music classes includin

ALABAMA

September 20, 2025


Cara Morantz joined the faculty at the University of Alabama at Birmingham as Assistant Director of Bands in the fall of 2014. She is a part of the instructional team for the Marching Blazers, the Wind Symphony and Symphony Band, and the Blazer Bands. In addition, she provides instruction in music classes including courses in music education.

Prior to her arrival at UAB, Ms. Morantz spent nine years in the public schools of Cobb County, Georgia, where she taught at both the middle school and high school levels. From 2005-2007, she served as assistant director of bands at Lassiter High School, and she has also served on the faculty at Cooper Middle School from 2007-2012, and Durham Middle School from 2012-2014. Ms. Morantz continues to play trumpet actively, and while in Cobb County she also thoroughly enjoyed being a member of the Cobb Wind Symphony.

Ms. Morantz was educated at the University of Miami, where she graduated Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in music education. She completed her masters degree at the University of Georgia in 2011, where she currently pursues her Ed.D.

Erin Cole Steele

Dr. Tonya Mitchell-Spradlin

Erin Cole Steele

GEORGIA

August 16, 2025


Erin Cole Steele is the Director of the Division of Education and Senior Educational Consultant for Conn Selmer, Inc. Prior to joining Conn Selmer, Erin had a successful career as the Director of Bands at Tapp Middle School in Cobb County Georgia for 22 years. Under her leadership, the Tapp Band had many honors inclu

GEORGIA

August 16, 2025


Erin Cole Steele is the Director of the Division of Education and Senior Educational Consultant for Conn Selmer, Inc. Prior to joining Conn Selmer, Erin had a successful career as the Director of Bands at Tapp Middle School in Cobb County Georgia for 22 years. Under her leadership, the Tapp Band had many honors included being selected to perform at the 58th annual Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, Illinois in December of 2004. While at Tapp, Erin commissioned four pieces of music for the band including Robert W. Smith’s "The Great Locomotive Chase", Frank Ticheli’s "Simple Gifts – Four Shaker Songs". Samuel R. Hazo’s “Ascend” and was part of a consortium of directors to commission Eric Whitacre’s “The Seal Lullaby”. Erin has written chapters for three editions of the GIA publication series Teaching Music Through Performance and is currently a contributing editor for Hal Leonard’s Essential Elements method book and interactive website team. Erin is currently in high demand as a guest conductor for honor and all-state bands across the country as well as a clinician and presenter for music conferences all over the world.

Pat Toben

Dr. Tonya Mitchell-Spradlin

Erin Cole Steele

IOWA

July 12, 2025


With over 30 years of experience in education, Mrs. Pat Toben most recently served as the Director of Bands at North High School in Sioux City, Iowa, for three years. Prior to returning to the classroom, she spent seven years as the Arts and Community Engagement Program Coordinator for the Sioux City Community School Dist

IOWA

July 12, 2025


With over 30 years of experience in education, Mrs. Pat Toben most recently served as the Director of Bands at North High School in Sioux City, Iowa, for three years. Prior to returning to the classroom, she spent seven years as the Arts and Community Engagement Program Coordinator for the Sioux City Community School District (SCCSD). She also taught elementary general music for two years and digital music for one year within the district. Earlier in her career, she held teaching positions in Illinois, Minnesota, and South Dakota, where she focused on developing life skills through band, choir, and general music education.

Mrs. Toben has received multiple honors throughout her career. In 2000, she was named one of the Ten Outstanding Young South Dakotans by the South Dakota Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees). In 2001, School Band and Orchestra Magazine recognized her as one of “50 Directors Who Make a Difference.” One of her ensembles was selected to perform at the 2004 South Dakota Bandmasters Convention, and she was named the 2011 West Central Teacher of the Year. As Arts and Community Engagement Coordinator, she played a key role in SCCSD being named one of the “Best Communities for Music Education” by NAMM for five consecutive years (2017–2021).

At North High School, Mrs. Toben was instrumental in launching both an Indoor Percussion Program and a Mariachi Program. She trained a dedicated student leadership team and fostered a strong community of student musicians, growing the band program from 80 to 130 members over four years. She also secured funding for essential instruments and guard equipment through successful grant writing efforts.

A respected presenter, Mrs. Toben has spoken at numerous state and international conferences on topics including Fine Arts Standards and the integration of Fine Arts into Career and Technical Education. She authored an article for Yamaha titled "Grant Writing: A 3-Step Game Plan", and has served on the Iowa Department of Education Fine Arts Leadership Team. She is also a past president of the Sioux Valley Orff Chapter of the American Orff-Schulwerk Association (AOSA).

Mrs. Toben holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of South Dakota and a Master of Arts in Educational Policy and Leadership Studies from the University of Iowa.

Dr. Myra Rhoden

Marguerite Wilder

Marguerite Wilder

ATHENA FOUNDER

All Summit Locations


Dr. Myra Rhoden is the founder of the Athena Music and Leadership, an all-girls music program created to promote musical excellence while emphasizing leadership skills. Retiring in 2024 after a successful 30-year career as a band director in the public schools of Georgia and Alabama, she currently serves 

ATHENA FOUNDER

All Summit Locations


Dr. Myra Rhoden is the founder of the Athena Music and Leadership, an all-girls music program created to promote musical excellence while emphasizing leadership skills. Retiring in 2024 after a successful 30-year career as a band director in the public schools of Georgia and Alabama, she currently serves as the Assistant Professor of Music Education at the University of West Georgia. Rhoden frequently serves as a guest conductor for state, regional, and university honor bands and is honored to have presented sessions at The Midwest Clinic, various national, state and regional conferences, and for school systems and professional development clinics throughout North America.

A native of Tuskegee, Alabama, Dr. Rhoden was named the NAfME 2018 National Band Director of the Year, has been awarded the Outstanding Service to Music Award from Tau Beta Sigma, the Golden Rose Award from Women Band Directors International, multiple Citations of Excellence from the National Band Association, and has been named STAR Teacher and Teacher of the Year. She had the distinct pleasure of being a guest conductor for the United States Air Force Band and the United States Army Field Band of Washington, D. C. and the Tara Winds of Atlanta, Georgia. She is honored to be a member of the Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity, serves as a Conn Selmer Educational Clinician and was elected to the prestigious American Bandmasters Association in 2023. She holds degrees from the University of Alabama and the University of Southern Mississippi and resides in Fayetteville, Georgia with her husband, Errol Jr. Their son, Errol III, is a freelance musician based in Los Angeles.

Marguerite Wilder

Marguerite Wilder

Marguerite Wilder

ALABAMA, IOWA, and TEXAS Summits


Ms. Wilder is widely recognized as a conductor and clinician, having conducted All State and Honor Bands throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia. Serving as a resource person for in-service sessions, she works with both local and regional school systems and universities. Her clinics on M

ALABAMA, IOWA, and TEXAS Summits


Ms. Wilder is widely recognized as a conductor and clinician, having conducted All State and Honor Bands throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia. Serving as a resource person for in-service sessions, she works with both local and regional school systems and universities. Her clinics on Motivational Techniques for the Beginning and Middle School Band are often featured at state and national conventions. 

Marguerite taught middle school band at the following schools during her 30-year teaching career: The Lovett School, Woodward Academy and Tapp Middle School.

Ms. Wilder is a contributing author for GIA Publications: Habits of a Successful Beginner Band Musician; Habits of a Successful Middle Level Musician; Teaching Music Through Performance in Beginning Band Vol. 1 & 2. She is a contributing editor Teaching Music through Performance in Middle School Band and James Froseth’s Do It! Play in Band and Recorder Methods.

Marguerite Wilder is a graduate of the University of Georgia and Georgia State University. Professional organization affiliations include NAfME, GMEA, NBA, Phi Beta Mu and FAME. 

Currently Mrs. Wilder serves as a consultant, clinician, author and editor for GIA Publications, Inc. and is a “Yamaha Master Educator”.  

Our Partners

Athena Summit Iowa

Images from past Athena Summits!

CHECK OUT THE ATHENA SUMMIT VIDEO RECAPS!

State College, Pennsylvania 2025

Relive the inspiration and excitement of the Athena Summit in Prosper, Texas, by watching the recap video!

Prosper, Texas 2024

Relive the inspiration and excitement of the Athena Summit in Prosper, Texas, by watching the recap video!

Birmingham, Alabama 2024

Experience the energy and empowerment of the Athena Summit in Birmingham, Alabama, by watching the recap video!

PAST ATHENA SUMMIT CLINICIANS

KIM BAIN

BRE-A'NNA COMER

BRE-A'NNA COMER

Kim Bain retired as director of bands at Louis Pizitz Middle School in Vestavia Hills, Alabama in May 2021. For thirty-four years ensembles under her leadership were consistently cited for musical excellence at both the state and national levels, performing at the Midwest Clinic, the Music for All National Festival, and the Alabama MEA st

Kim Bain retired as director of bands at Louis Pizitz Middle School in Vestavia Hills, Alabama in May 2021. For thirty-four years ensembles under her leadership were consistently cited for musical excellence at both the state and national levels, performing at the Midwest Clinic, the Music for All National Festival, and the Alabama MEA state conference. Ms. Bain is an active freelance musician in the Birmingham area. Since retirement from public school teaching, she is an instructor of saxophone and music education at Samford University and an adjunct instructor in music education at the University of Alabama. 

BRE-A'NNA COMER

BRE-A'NNA COMER

BRE-A'NNA COMER

Bre-A'nna North Comer is in her tenth year as the Director of Bands at Opelika Middle School and entering her twelfth year of teaching with Opelika City Schools. Prior to her current position, Mrs. Comer served as a music teacher between West Forest Intermediate and Morris Avenue Intermediate Schools. During this time, she also assisted w

Bre-A'nna North Comer is in her tenth year as the Director of Bands at Opelika Middle School and entering her twelfth year of teaching with Opelika City Schools. Prior to her current position, Mrs. Comer served as a music teacher between West Forest Intermediate and Morris Avenue Intermediate Schools. During this time, she also assisted with the Opelika High School "Spirit of the South" Marching Band. Mrs. Comer is a native of Helena, AL where she attended Pelham High School. Upon

graduation, she attended The University of Alabama where she received a Bachelor

of Science degree in Music Education, graduating Cum Laude. While at The

University of Alabama, she participated in the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Huxford Symphony Orchestra, Campus Band and marched in the Million Dollar Band

where she served two of those years as Drum Major. Mrs. Comer’s professional affiliations include The National Association for Music Education, Alabama Music Educators Association, Alabama Bandmasters Association and Sigma Alpha Iota Music Fraternity for Women. Mrs. Comer currently resides in Auburn, AL with her husband, Earvin, who is Choral Director at Opelika High School and her daughter, Hannah.

JANA HARVEY

BRE-A'NNA COMER

LINDA GAMMON

Jana Harvey was named Associate Director of Bands at Flower Mound High School in June of 2012. Prior to her appointment at Flower Mound, Ms. Harvey served as the Associate Director of Bands at Plano East

Senior High and Director of Bands at Clark High School, both located in Plano, TX. In 2004, Ms. Harvey was named Clark High School Teache

Jana Harvey was named Associate Director of Bands at Flower Mound High School in June of 2012. Prior to her appointment at Flower Mound, Ms. Harvey served as the Associate Director of Bands at Plano East

Senior High and Director of Bands at Clark High School, both located in Plano, TX. In 2004, Ms. Harvey was named Clark High School Teacher of the Year and honored by the PTA with the life membership award. In 2005, Ms. Harvey was selected for induction into the American School Band Directors Association, which honors outstanding band directors in the United States. The Flower Mound Wind Symphony was named a finalist in the Class 5A Honor Band competition by the Texas Music Educators Association in 2014 and was named “Runner-Up” in the 2016, 2018, and 2022 6A Honor Band competition. They were also the invited performing ensemble in 2021. The Flower Mound Wind Symphony was a featured performing ensemble at the 69th Annual Midwest Clinic and received the Sudler Flag of Honor in the spring of 2023. The Flower Mound High School Marching Band has been named a finalist and champion in the Bands of America Texas regional and super-regional competitions. They have been named a Finalist in the Bands of America Grand

National Championship and made an appearance in the 2018 Rose Parade as a result. The Flower Mound Marching Band was named the 2016 6A Texas State Champion, the silver medalist in 2018 and the bronze medalist in 2020 and will making their debut performance in the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade this November.


Her professional affiliations include the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Tau Beta Sigma and Phi Beta Mu International Band Fraternity. Ms. Harvey maintains an active schedule as a clinician and adjudicator. She holds the Bachelor of Music Education degree from Texas Tech University.

LINDA GAMMON

BRE-A'NNA COMER

LINDA GAMMON

State College, Pennsylvania

March 29, 2025


Linda J. Gammon is the director of the Virginia Winds Academy Junior Band. Prior to assuming this position, she directed middle school bands in Fairfax County, VA for over 30 years. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in music education from Clarion University of Pennsylvania and a Master o

State College, Pennsylvania

March 29, 2025


Linda J. Gammon is the director of the Virginia Winds Academy Junior Band. Prior to assuming this position, she directed middle school bands in Fairfax County, VA for over 30 years. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in music education from Clarion University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Arts degree in conducting from George Mason University.  

Under Ms. Gammon’s direction, her middle school performed multiple times at the Virginia Music Educators Association Professional Development Conferences and the 1993 and 2000 Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago. In 1997 Ms. Gammon and the Robinson Middle School Symphonic Band were awarded the prestigious John Philip Sousa Foundation Sudler Silver Cup Award, the highest honor bestowed on a middle school band program.

She is a Past President of the Virginia Music Educators Association, Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association, and Fairfax County Band Directors Association.  Linda also served as the VMEA State Executive for 6 years following her retirement. In 2003 she was recipient of Women Band Directors International Scroll of Excellence, 2007 Virginia Outstanding Music Educator of the Year Award, and 2014 Fairfax County Band Director of the Year. In 2018 she was inducted into the Phi Beta Mu Hall of Fame, 2019 the VBODA Hall of Fame and in 2020 VBODA Phil Fuller Award for her contributions to music education in Virginia. In 2021 Ms. Gammon received the James Madison University Dr. Gary K. Ritcher Outstanding Service in Music Education Award and the VMEA Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2023 she was elected into the prestigious American Bandmasters Association..

EDNA GRACE

DR. CINDY WAGONER

DR. CINDY WAGONER

Edna Y. Grace, a native of Charleston, South Carolina, received a B.S. in Music Education from South Carolina State College, a M.A. in Music from the Ohio State University, and a M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision from the Citadel. 

During her career of thirty-six years, Edna held posts as Band Director and General Music/Chorus teache

Edna Y. Grace, a native of Charleston, South Carolina, received a B.S. in Music Education from South Carolina State College, a M.A. in Music from the Ohio State University, and a M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision from the Citadel. 

During her career of thirty-six years, Edna held posts as Band Director and General Music/Chorus teacher in Charleston County School District at Brentwood Middle (1981-1984 – General Music/Chorus; 1984-1991–Band) and Berkeley County School District at College Park Middle (1991-2007–Band) and Stratford High (2007-2017–Band/Chorus). The bands under her instruction received the highest ratings at the SCBDA Concert Festival and Solo and Ensemble Festival, while individual students were selected for membership in honor bands (All-County Concert Bands, All-County Jazz Band (BCSD), Region Honor Band, South Carolina All-State Band, and the SC All-State Jazz Bands). Both the middle and high school band programs were consistent recipients of the SCBDA Outstanding Performance Award. In addition, the College Park Band earned the honor of performance at the 2003 SCMEA conference. 

While at College Park, Edna also served as an assistant director at Stratford High School during marching season. At the start of her thirty-fifth teaching year, Ms. Grace took the sole position at Stratford High School of director of the choral music program, having had the dual role of Director of Bands and Choral Director the previous four years. The program grew in student membership while maintaining consistent numbers in All-County Chorus and SC All-State Chorus.

Edna has served as an honor band clinician and concert band adjudicator in South Carolina, North Carolina, Kentucky, Virginia, and Georgia. She has been an adjunct faculty member of Charleston Southern University teaching studio oboe and Music Appreciation. Edna has been active in community music ensembles including the Summerville Community Orchestra, the Charleston Wind Ensemble (one year as conductor), and the Goose Creek Community Band for which she served as conductor until its reorganization as the St. James Wind Ensemble.  


DR. CINDY WAGONER

DR. CINDY WAGONER

DR. CINDY WAGONER

Dr. Cindy Wagoner recently retired as an Associate Professor of Music Education at East Carolina University, specializing in instrumental music instruction and pre-service music teacher education. Her regional and international research presentations focus on music teacher identity, mentoring new teachers, and pedagogy. Her publications a

Dr. Cindy Wagoner recently retired as an Associate Professor of Music Education at East Carolina University, specializing in instrumental music instruction and pre-service music teacher education. Her regional and international research presentations focus on music teacher identity, mentoring new teachers, and pedagogy. Her publications appear in Teaching Music Through Performance in Jazz, Teaching Music, Psychology of Music, Research Issues in Music Education, Journal of Music Teacher Education, and several book chapters. Her heart still lies in the teaching of music through instrumental performance, and she is dedicated to serving the music education community in her current position at ECU. Wagoner holds a B.S. and M.S. from Indiana State University and spent 27 years in Indiana teaching high school and middle school instrumental music, known for having a large and successful program across marching, concert, small ensemble, and jazz events. Graduating from the University of Carolina Greensboro with a Ph.D. in Music Education, she was honored for her teaching with the Graduate Teaching Assistant Award in 2009. As an assistant professor at East Carolina since 2011, she was selected as a finalist for a 2015-16 ECU Alumni Award for excellence in teaching, 2017-18 Nominee for Five Year Award, and was awarded the ECU Alumni Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2019. She was also semi-finalist for the 2017 Music & Arts Educator of the Year. Wagoner continues to be active as a guest conductor and adjudicator across the south and Midwest and holds membership in Society for Music Teacher Education, Society for Music Perception and Cognition (SMPC), International Society for Music Education (ISME), NAfME, and NCMEA.


Our 2024 Athena Summit Partners

Thank you for your support of the 2024 Athena Summits!

"The atmosphere of sisterhood and artistry is electric! What an amazing opportunity that speaks to all I am as a director."


Athena Attendee

  • Home
  • Gallery
  • Honor Band
  • Summer Camp
  • Summits
  • Muse Team
  • Support
  • Request Invoice

ATHENA MUSIC AND LEADERSHIP

info@athenacamp.com

Empowering Young Women Through Music

Copyright © 2025 ATHENA MUSIC AND LEADERSHIP - All Rights Reserved.

Powered by

This website uses cookies.

We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.

Accept

Register now for the Athena Summit!

Empowering Young Women Through Music

REGISTER NOW!