Originally from Bristol, TN, Joseph Cole is in his 8th year of teaching band at Seymour High School where he began his career. He moved from Assistant Director of Bands to Director of Bands for the fall of 2021. Mr. Cole is a graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville where he served as an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant and graduated as one of the Outstanding Music Education Graduates of 2018.
Mr. Cole’s teaching responsibilities have included directing, leading, and teaching the Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Indoor Percussion, Jazz Band, and Fall Color Guard, as well as administering the whole Seymour Band Program from grades 5 through 12. Mr. Cole is a dynamic and encouraging presence in the Seymour Community and is passionate about raising good quality students by presenting a leadership camp open to all band students, a 12 week leadership academy for all students, and serving on various committees focused on scholarship, character, leadership, and service.
Mr. Cole’s ensembles receive the highest honors including but not limited to: the ASBDA Citation of Excellence, all superior ratings from all judges, many local marching band medals and podium appearances, 4 Bands of America Regional Finals appearances, students in each level of All State and All East Tennessee Honor Bands, and many more.
A percussionist from Ashburn, VA, Zach Elgin is proud to serve in his third year as Assistant Director of Bands at Seymour High School. Mr. Elgin is a graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, holding a bachelor’s degree in music education and studying under Dr. Andrew Bliss and Mr. Keith Brown.
Mr. Elgin has performed with numerous ensembles since the start of his music career in 2014, including the Jersey Surf World Class Drum Corps, Music City Drum Corps, and the Pride of the Southland Marching Band, serving as the section leader of the percussion section his final two years. Previously, Mr. Elgin worked as the Percussion Director at Farragut High School in Knoxville, TN, while also assisting in a high capacity at Clinton High School and Oak Ridge High School as well as the Maryville City School System.
