J. Craig Cantrell (Director of Bands)
Geoffrey Lonberger (Associate Director of Bands)
Nelly Lopez (Color Guard Coordinator)
Sierra Reed (Color Guard Tech)
Levi Selman (Percussion Tech)
Cale Brown (Visual Tech)
Geoffrey Lonberger (Associate Director of Bands)
Nelly Lopez (Color Guard Coordinator)
Sierra Reed (Color Guard Tech)
Levi Selman (Percussion Tech)
Cale Brown (Visual Tech)
J. Craig Cantrell - Director of Bands
J. Craig Cantrell is an accomplished conductor, musician, and educator with more than 20 years of experience inspiring excellence in music and education. As the founding Director of Bands and Fine Arts Department Chair at Cherokee Bluff High School in Flowery Branch, Georgia, he has built one of the region’s most respected and dynamic fine arts programs — rooted in musicianship, collaboration, and community.
Under his leadership, his bands have performed at many of the Southeast’s most prestigious events, including the Georgia Music Educators Association In-Service Conference, University of Georgia’s January Music Festival (JanFest), the University of Alabama Honor Band Clinic, and the Southeastern United States Concert Band Clinic at Troy University. His ensembles have also performed on national stages in Washington, D.C., New York, Dallas, and Philadelphia, earning acclaim for their artistry, discipline, and expressive performances.
In addition to his work at Cherokee Bluff HS, Mr. Cantrell serves Hall County Schools as an Instrumental Music Lead Teacher, providing district-wide support in curriculum design, instructional coaching, and professional learning for Fine Arts educators. He is deeply passionate about empowering teachers as leaders and fostering school cultures where creativity and student voice thrive.
An active guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator, Mr. Cantrell has led honor bands and workshops across the Southeast and remains committed to nurturing the next generation of musicians and music educators. Mr. Cantrell was recently appointed as Music Director and Conductor of the Alpharetta Symphony Youth Winds. He also serves as Artistic Director and Conductor of the Northwinds Symphonic Band, a premier adult wind ensemble based in North Georgia, where he continues to perform, conduct, and collaborate with some of the region’s most accomplished musicians.
A two-time Teacher of the Year (East Hall, 2007; Cherokee Bluff, 2018) and three-time STAR Teacher, Mr. Cantrell has been honored with the National Band Association Citation of Excellence three times and holds membership in Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity. He frequently presents on topics such as teacher leadership, program development, and building communities of trust through the arts.
Mr. Cantrell holds degrees from Kennesaw State University (Music Education) and Thomas University (M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership and Ed. Ed. S in Educational Leadership) and is completing his Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership at Liberty University. A graduate of the Hall County Schools Growing Administrative Leaders Program, he continues to advocate for the power of arts education to transform lives.
Guided by a philosophy of service, musicianship, and empowerment, Mr. Cantrell believes that every student deserves a champion — and that great education begins with great relationships.
He holds active memberships in NAfME, GMEA, NBA, and WASBE, and resides in Flowery Branch, Georgia, with his wife, Dr. Michelle Cantrell, their children, Tyler and Julia, and their two dogs, Beck and Piper.
Under his leadership, his bands have performed at many of the Southeast’s most prestigious events, including the Georgia Music Educators Association In-Service Conference, University of Georgia’s January Music Festival (JanFest), the University of Alabama Honor Band Clinic, and the Southeastern United States Concert Band Clinic at Troy University. His ensembles have also performed on national stages in Washington, D.C., New York, Dallas, and Philadelphia, earning acclaim for their artistry, discipline, and expressive performances.
In addition to his work at Cherokee Bluff HS, Mr. Cantrell serves Hall County Schools as an Instrumental Music Lead Teacher, providing district-wide support in curriculum design, instructional coaching, and professional learning for Fine Arts educators. He is deeply passionate about empowering teachers as leaders and fostering school cultures where creativity and student voice thrive.
An active guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator, Mr. Cantrell has led honor bands and workshops across the Southeast and remains committed to nurturing the next generation of musicians and music educators. Mr. Cantrell was recently appointed as Music Director and Conductor of the Alpharetta Symphony Youth Winds. He also serves as Artistic Director and Conductor of the Northwinds Symphonic Band, a premier adult wind ensemble based in North Georgia, where he continues to perform, conduct, and collaborate with some of the region’s most accomplished musicians.
A two-time Teacher of the Year (East Hall, 2007; Cherokee Bluff, 2018) and three-time STAR Teacher, Mr. Cantrell has been honored with the National Band Association Citation of Excellence three times and holds membership in Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity. He frequently presents on topics such as teacher leadership, program development, and building communities of trust through the arts.
Mr. Cantrell holds degrees from Kennesaw State University (Music Education) and Thomas University (M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership and Ed. Ed. S in Educational Leadership) and is completing his Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership at Liberty University. A graduate of the Hall County Schools Growing Administrative Leaders Program, he continues to advocate for the power of arts education to transform lives.
Guided by a philosophy of service, musicianship, and empowerment, Mr. Cantrell believes that every student deserves a champion — and that great education begins with great relationships.
He holds active memberships in NAfME, GMEA, NBA, and WASBE, and resides in Flowery Branch, Georgia, with his wife, Dr. Michelle Cantrell, their children, Tyler and Julia, and their two dogs, Beck and Piper.
Experience:
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Teaching Experience:
Director of Bands - Cherokee Bluff High School (2018) Director of Bands - East Hall High School (2003-2018) Director of Choral Activities - East Hall High School (2003-2006) Student Teaching - Durham Middle School (Cobb County Schools) (2002-2003) Other Professional Experience: Chair, East Hall HS Fine Arts Department (2005-2018) Chair, Cherokee Bluff HS Fine Arts Department (2018) Teacher of the Year: East Hall HS (2007-2008) Star Teacher: East Hall HS (2011; 2013; 2014) Phi Beta Mu (2013) GMEA District Nine Chair (2008-2010) GMEA District Fourteen Vice Chair (2014-2018) Chapter Advisor, EHHS Tri-M Music Honor Society (2005-2018) Co-Advisor, East Hall HS Student Council (2012-2018) EHHS School Improvement Team (2005-2016) Faculty Council: EHHS National Honor Society (2004-2016) National Association for Music Education (2003) Georgia Music Educators Association (2003) National Band Association (NBA) (2005) Board Member: Northwinds Symphonic Band (2004) Northwinds Symphonic Band (euphonium) (2000) Faith Band (2000-2008) Atlanta Wind Symphony (euphonium) (2000-2003) Cobb Wind Symphony (euphonium) (2000-2003) |
Contact Info. |
Mr. J. Craig Cantrell
6603 Spout Springs Road Flowery Branch, GA 30542 770 967-0080 ext. 0000 [email protected] |
Geoffrey Lonberger - Associate Director of Bands / CBMS Director
Mr. Geoffrey Lonberger was appointed as the founding Director of Bands at Cherokee Bluff Middle School in 2018. He primarily conducts the 6th Grade Beginning Band, 7th Grade Intermediate Band, and the 8th Grade Advanced Band in addition to assisting with all High School ensembles. He currently serves as the Chair for the Connections Department at CBMS. Prior to his arrival at Cherokee Bluff, Mr. Lonberger served as Director of Bands at East Hall Middle School from 2006-2018 and Fannin County Middle School in Blue Ridge, GA from 2004-2006. Bands under his leadership have consistently received superior ratings at all Large Group Performance Evaluations and other contests. His students routinely are awarded placement in honor groups, including the GMEA District Fourteen Honor Band and the Georgia All State Band. He has guest conducted several honor ensembles, including the Hall County Middle School Honor Band and the Habersham Middle School Honor Band. Mr. Lonberger is a member of Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity.
Mr. Lonberger is a 2000 graduate of Shiloh High School in Gwinnett County, where he was principal trumpet in both concert and marching bands. He received the Bachelors of Music Education from the University of Georgia in 2004 where he studied trumpet with Dr. Edward Sandor and conducting with Dr. John Culvahouse. While at the University of Georgia, he was a member of the Redcoat Marching Band for four years, where he served as trumpet section leader during his senior year. He was also a member of the UGA Wind Symphony.
Mr. Lonberger is very active in his community and with professional organizations. He is a member of Airline Baptist Church in Gainesville, where he serves on several committees as a church deacon and performs in the church orchestra. He performs with the Northwinds Symphonic Band and the Gainesville Summer Music Theater Orchestra. His professional organizations include The National Association for Music Education, the Georgia Music Educators Association and the Professional Association of Georgia Educators. His hobbies include playing soccer, watching sports, working outside, and spending time with his beautiful wife, Erin and their wonderful children, Landon, Clayton, and Abigail.
Mr. Lonberger is a 2000 graduate of Shiloh High School in Gwinnett County, where he was principal trumpet in both concert and marching bands. He received the Bachelors of Music Education from the University of Georgia in 2004 where he studied trumpet with Dr. Edward Sandor and conducting with Dr. John Culvahouse. While at the University of Georgia, he was a member of the Redcoat Marching Band for four years, where he served as trumpet section leader during his senior year. He was also a member of the UGA Wind Symphony.
Mr. Lonberger is very active in his community and with professional organizations. He is a member of Airline Baptist Church in Gainesville, where he serves on several committees as a church deacon and performs in the church orchestra. He performs with the Northwinds Symphonic Band and the Gainesville Summer Music Theater Orchestra. His professional organizations include The National Association for Music Education, the Georgia Music Educators Association and the Professional Association of Georgia Educators. His hobbies include playing soccer, watching sports, working outside, and spending time with his beautiful wife, Erin and their wonderful children, Landon, Clayton, and Abigail.
experience:
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Teaching Experience:
Director of Bands - Cherokee Bluff Middle School (2018) Associate Director of Bands - Cherokee Bluff High School (2018) Director of Bands - East Hall Middle School (2006-2018) Assistant Director of Bands - East Hall High School (2006-2018) Director of Bands - Fannin County Middle School (2004-2006) Student Teaching - Oconee County Middle School (2003-2004) Other Professional Experience: Chair, Cherokee Bluff MS Connections Department (2018) Chair, East Hall MS Connections Department (2013-2015) Leadership Team, Cherokee Bluff MS (2018) Habersham Co. Middle School Honor Band Clinician (2018) School Review Committee for GSAPS (Hall Co. Schools, 2016) Hall Co. MS Band SLO/PPPA Development Committee Phi Beta Mu (International bandmasters' Fraternity) (2018) GMEA District Nine Steering Committee (2007-2009) GMEA District Nine LGPE Co-Host and Organizer (2004-2006) National Association for Music Education (2004) Georgia Music Educators Association (2004) Northwinds Symphonic Band (trumpet) (2006) Airline Baptist Church CONTACT INFO.Mr. Geoffrey Lonberger
6603 Spout Springs Road Flowery Branch, GA 30542 770 967-0080 ext. 0000 [email protected] |
Guard Staff:
Nelly Lopez - Guard Coordinator
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Dayannelly Lopez also known as Nelly, was born and raised in Buford, GA and is currently enrolled at the University of North Georgia to pursue her Bachelor's of Science in Nursing with a minor in Psychology. She graduated from Buford High school and was part of the Buford Band of Wolves as part of the Buford color guard. She participated in both Color guard and Winter guard for 4 years. She was also part of the Buford Dance program for 4 years. Nelly has a great passion for the sport of Color guard and is excited to be able to express her passion towards the group in hopes to inspire them. Her Hobbies include watching sports, playing soccer, spending time with her family, rescuing animals and playing outside with her 5 dogs
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Sierra Reed - Guard INstructor
Sierra is one of our colorguard instructors. She is extremely passionate and skilled in the art of colorguard and has received 3 titled awards, including “Most Outstanding Colorguard Member” throughout her marching band career at Flowery Branch High School, along with many other recognitions. She spun all 4 seasons of Winterguard, and 3 seasons of Fall Colorguard until she graduated in the lucky year of 2020. She loves seeing the excitement of our Colorguard members learning a new skill, and the joy on their faces is “an unmatched feeling.” Sierra continuously makes an effort by making sure she offers a safe space where everyone is welcome and where she can show them their own love for Colorguard. She has future plans of auditioning for the University of Georgia this winter season in hopes of expanding her resume and knowledge of Colorguard. Sierra spends her free time with her family, friends, her dog, and Netflix!
Levi Selman - Percussion Tech
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Levi Selman was born and raised in Flowery Branch, Georgia. As batterie tech, Levi helps coordinate and writes music for the Marching Bears Drumline. He ensures all members are taught proper technique, precision, and musicality, helping students not only perform at high levels but also understand the importance of fundamentals in their playing.
Outside of teaching, he distinguished himself early on as a versatile percussionist, earning the opportunity to march with the All-American Band and perform with the prestigious GMEA All-State Jazz Ensemble in 2025. Currently, he is furthering his musical studies at the Atlanta Institute of Music, where he continues to refine his craft and expand his knowledge of music while also actively performing throughout Georgia. Levi is also a performing artist and advocate for Collision Drumsticks: https://collisiondrumsticks.com/artists/levi-selman/ |
Cale Brown - Visual Tech
Cale Brown has been involved in the marching arts for over eight years and brings a wealth of experience to his role as a visual technician. He spent four years performing with the Cherokee Bluff Marching Band and went on to march four seasons in Drum Corps International. Cale marched two years with the Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps (2022–2023) before joining the Boston Crusaders, where he performed in 2024 and 2025. During his time with the Crusaders, the corps earned a silver medal in 2024 and won its first World Championship in 2025, making Cale both a two-time DCI medalist and World Champion. That same season, the Crusaders also earned the Jim Ott Award for Best Brass, adding a Best in Brass title to his achievements.
Beyond his performance career, Cale was on staff with the Buford High School Marching Band in 2024 and has been playing trumpet for nearly twelve years. He is excited to share his passion, knowledge, and championship-level experience with the next generation of performers.
Beyond his performance career, Cale was on staff with the Buford High School Marching Band in 2024 and has been playing trumpet for nearly twelve years. He is excited to share his passion, knowledge, and championship-level experience with the next generation of performers.