Our Staff

Meghan Miller

Director of Bands

Ms. Miller holds both her BA (2016) and M.Ed. (2018) in Music Education from Auburn University. While at Auburn, she studied clarinet under the direction of Dr. David Odom, performed with the Auburn University Symphonic Winds and the Auburn Community Orchestra as the principal clarinetist, and served as the clarinet section leader of the Auburn University Marching Band for two years. She also performed with the Alabama Intercollegiate Band in 2013 and 2015 under the direction of Colonel John R. Bourgeois and Dr. John R. Locke, respectively, at the Alabama Music Educators Association Conference.

While pursuing her Master's Degree, Ms. Miller served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant with the Auburn University Bands. During this time, she studied conducting with Dr. Corey Spurlin and Dr. Rick Good and had the opportunity to work with numerous ensembles at the University.

Ms. Miller's professional affiliations include membership with the Alabama Music Educators Association, the National Bandmaster's Association, the National Association for Music Education, Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Service Sorority, Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Service Fraternity, and Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society.

Blake Durden

Associate Director of Bands

Mr. Durden is a graduate of Kell High School in Marietta, Georgia, and graduated with his bachelor's in Music Education at Jacksonville State University. During his time at Jax State, he was a member of the Marching Southerners all four years, three years as a member of the Southerners Mellophone Line, and spend his last year as one of the Assistant Drum Majors. Mr. Durden also spent time as Assistant Drum Major at Atlanta CV Drum and Bugle Corps in 2021, and Head Drum Major of the Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps in 2023. Previously, Mr. Durden spent 2 years on staff with Spirit of Atlanta, has been a member of the SWAG team for the Music for All Summer Symposium since 2024, and spent a year as the Assistant Band Director at Webb Bridge Middle School in Alpharetta, Georgia.

Outside of school, Mr. Durden enjoys football and soccer, rooting for the Georgia Bulldogs and Chelsea FC, spending quality time with his friends, reading, hiking, and exercising.

Brooke Mason

Director of Bands - Duncanville MS

Brooke Mason currently serves as Director of Bands at Duncanville Middle School.

Mariah Martin

Director of Bands - Hillcrest MS

Mariah Martin currently serves as Director of Bands at Hillcrest Middle School.

Madison Epperson

Visual Sponsor

Madison Epperson currently serves as Visual Sponsor for the Hillcrest High School Band.

Larissa Vickery

Visual Sponsor

Larissa Vickery currently serves as Visual Sponsor for the Hillcrest High School Band.