Mr. J. Craig Cantrell (right) and
Mr. Geoffrey Lonberger (left)
J. Craig Cantrell (Director of Bands)
Geoffrey Lonberger (Associate Director of Bands / CBMS Director)
Matthew Andrews (Percussion Coordinator)
Nicolas Ayala (Visual Coordinator/Percussion Tech)
Geoffrey Lonberger (Associate Director of Bands / CBMS Director)
Matthew Andrews (Percussion Coordinator)
Nicolas Ayala (Visual Coordinator/Percussion Tech)
J. Craig Cantrell - Director of Bands
J. Craig Cantrell is a dedicated and visionary educational leader with more than 20 years of experience in public education, recognized for his commitment to instructional excellence, teacher empowerment, and strategic school improvement. As the founding Director of Bands and Fine Arts Department Chair at Cherokee Bluff High School in Flowery Branch, Georgia, Mr. Cantrell has built award-winning programs from the ground up - while also serving as a key leader on the School Leadership and School Improvement Teams. His work has helped shape a culture of academic rigor, creativity, and student-centered learning across the school community.
Mr. Cantrell currently serves Hall County Schools as an Instrumental Music Lead Teacher, where he provides district-wide instructional coaching, supports curriculum alignment, and leads professional learning initiatives that promote teacher leadership and equity in Fine Arts and beyond. He is passionate about helping teachers become change agents in their buildings and about creating systems where students and staff thrive together.
A two-time Teacher of the Year (East Hall, 2007; Cherokee Bluff, 2018) and three-time STAR Teacher, Mr. Cantrell has also received the Citation of Excellence from the National Band Association on three occasions and was honored with membership in Who's Who Among American Teachers and Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity. His leadership in instructional practice, student engagement, and school culture has positioned him as a sought-after speaker and clinician on topics such as teacher leadership, program development, and building communities of trust. He maintains an active schedule as an adjudicator, clinician, and guest conductor throughout the region, conducting performances with numerous bands and wind ensembles at several high schools and universities.
Throughout his career, he has effectively supervised and managed staff, complex budgets, and facility resources while developing programs aligned with school and district improvement goals. His experience in both classroom instruction and leadership roles has given him a deep understanding of how to support student success through curriculum design, assessment strategies, and data-informed decision-making.
In addition to his educational leadership responsibilities, Mr. Cantrell remains an active advocate for the performing arts and student expression. He conducts multiple instrumental ensembles, teaches Advanced Placement Music Theory and Musicianship, and continues to perform with the Northwinds Symphonic Band, where he serves as Artistic Director and Conductor. His ensembles have performed at prestigious regional and national events, including the Georgia Music Educators Association In-Service Conference, the University of Georgia January Music Festival ("JanFest"), the University of Alabama Honor Band Clinic, and the Southeastern United States Concert Band Clinic at Troy University, with national appearances in Washington, D.C., New York, Dallas, and Philadelphia.
Mr. Cantrell holds degrees from Kennesaw State University (Music Education) and Thomas University (Teacher Leadership and Educational Leadership) and is completing an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Liberty University. He recently completed the Hall County Schools Growing Administrative Leaders program. His leadership philosophy is rooted in service, curiosity, and accountability - believing that every student deserves a champion and every teacher deserves a leader who listens, inspires, and leads by example.
He holds membership in the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA), National Band Association (NBA), and the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE).
Mr. Cantrell resides in Flowery Branch, Georgia, with his wife, Dr. Michelle Cantrell, and children, Tyler and Julia.
Mr. Cantrell currently serves Hall County Schools as an Instrumental Music Lead Teacher, where he provides district-wide instructional coaching, supports curriculum alignment, and leads professional learning initiatives that promote teacher leadership and equity in Fine Arts and beyond. He is passionate about helping teachers become change agents in their buildings and about creating systems where students and staff thrive together.
A two-time Teacher of the Year (East Hall, 2007; Cherokee Bluff, 2018) and three-time STAR Teacher, Mr. Cantrell has also received the Citation of Excellence from the National Band Association on three occasions and was honored with membership in Who's Who Among American Teachers and Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity. His leadership in instructional practice, student engagement, and school culture has positioned him as a sought-after speaker and clinician on topics such as teacher leadership, program development, and building communities of trust. He maintains an active schedule as an adjudicator, clinician, and guest conductor throughout the region, conducting performances with numerous bands and wind ensembles at several high schools and universities.
Throughout his career, he has effectively supervised and managed staff, complex budgets, and facility resources while developing programs aligned with school and district improvement goals. His experience in both classroom instruction and leadership roles has given him a deep understanding of how to support student success through curriculum design, assessment strategies, and data-informed decision-making.
In addition to his educational leadership responsibilities, Mr. Cantrell remains an active advocate for the performing arts and student expression. He conducts multiple instrumental ensembles, teaches Advanced Placement Music Theory and Musicianship, and continues to perform with the Northwinds Symphonic Band, where he serves as Artistic Director and Conductor. His ensembles have performed at prestigious regional and national events, including the Georgia Music Educators Association In-Service Conference, the University of Georgia January Music Festival ("JanFest"), the University of Alabama Honor Band Clinic, and the Southeastern United States Concert Band Clinic at Troy University, with national appearances in Washington, D.C., New York, Dallas, and Philadelphia.
Mr. Cantrell holds degrees from Kennesaw State University (Music Education) and Thomas University (Teacher Leadership and Educational Leadership) and is completing an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Liberty University. He recently completed the Hall County Schools Growing Administrative Leaders program. His leadership philosophy is rooted in service, curiosity, and accountability - believing that every student deserves a champion and every teacher deserves a leader who listens, inspires, and leads by example.
He holds membership in the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA), National Band Association (NBA), and the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE).
Mr. Cantrell resides in Flowery Branch, Georgia, with his wife, Dr. Michelle Cantrell, and children, Tyler and Julia.
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] |
Matt Andrews - Percussion Coordinator
Mr. Marcha is a self proclaimed 'military brat' having lived and been educated all around the country. As a freelance musician, Mr. Marcha performs all around the region and is an advocate for found sound. Prior to his work with Cherokee Bluff, Mr. Marcha was on staff with neighboring schools in Gwinnett County. As the Percussion Coordinator, his responsibilities include working with and helping coordinate the Marching Bears Drumline, Percussion Ensemble & Indoor Percussion. He also visits Cherokee Bluff MS to work with young percussion students who will one day be a part of the High School Program.
Mr. Marcha also provides private lessons to students from all over the area. He is an active educator who works with students of all levels and wants to help continue to grow the Cherokee Bluff Percussion.
Mr. Marcha also provides private lessons to students from all over the area. He is an active educator who works with students of all levels and wants to help continue to grow the Cherokee Bluff Percussion.
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!
Nicolas Ayala - Visual Coordinator / Percussion Tech
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Nicolas Ayala - Visual Coordinator / Percussion Tech
Nicolás M. Ayala Cerón was born in Bogotá, Colombia where he spent his early childhood, relocating to the United States when he was ten. A graduate of Brigham Young University, Nick earned his bachelor’s degree in Music Composition in 2017, and is pursuing a master’s degree in Instrumental Conducting with a Wind Band emphasis at BYU.
A flutist for 18 years, he has studied with various performers over the years, including Atlanta Opera flutist and music professor Kelly Via. Nick has toured the US and has gone abroad as an instrumentalist and guest conductor with different prestigious ensembles, most notably as a member of the BYU Wind Symphony in their 2016 Asia tour and their 2018 Australia tour playing piccolo, as well as having performed with Alliance Drum Corps of Georgia, the Gwinnett Symphony Orchestra, the Atlanta Philharmonic Orchestra, the Timpanogos Symphony Orchestra, and the BYU Philharmonic. As a composer, Nick has won several awards while studying at BYU, including a first place (2016) and second place (2017) award for the Vera Mayhew Composition Competition, as well as receiving the Barlow Student Composition Commission for 2017, leading to the premiere of Fanfare, a new work for wind band, premiered on February 2017 by the BYU Wind Symphony. Nick has studied composition under Stephen Jones, Ned McGowan, David Dramm, Carla Scaletti, Dai Fujikura, and Samuel Adler, and has worked on projects with ensembles around the world, most notably with Hexnut in Amsterdam, and the Lydian String Quartet. Most recently, he has written music for the BYU Cougar Marching Band, as well as for the BYU Wind Symphony. In August 2019, Nicolás will be enrolling in the doctoral program at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. |