Directors

 

Cade Sexton, Director of Bands

 

Mr. Sexton serves as the Head Director of Bands at Union Grove High School, where he leads and oversees all aspects of the school’s band program. In this role, he is responsible for establishing the vision and direction of the program while coordinating and sponsoring a wide range of band and musical opportunities for students.

 

Mr. Sexton earned his Bachelor’s degree in Instrumental Music Education from Kennesaw State University in the spring of 2024. At Kennesaw State University, he served as the inaugural Visual Coordinator for the Marching Owls and was a member of the Dr. Bobbie Bailey School of Music. He is originally from Gainesville, Georgia, and is a graduate of Chestatee High School, where he was a proud member of the War Eagle Band. These experiences continue to inform his passion for music education and student-centered instruction.

 

At Union Grove High School, Mr. Sexton is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment in which every student feels welcome, valued, and accepted. He strives to balance musical excellence with personal growth, encouraging students to achieve mastery in the band setting while developing confidence, discipline, and a lifelong appreciation for music.

 

 

 

 

Dylan Chastain, Assistant Director of Bands, Union Grove Middle School

 

Mr. Dylan Chastain is currently serving in his second year as the Director of Bands at Union Grove Middle School in McDonough, GA. Before working at Union Grove, Mr. Chastain worked on staff for multiple middle and high school bands in the metro-Atlanta area. He also served as Staff Coordinator for the Kennesaw State University Marching Owls for their 2023 season.

 

 In addition to his middle school responsibilities, Mr. Chastain works as the Assistant Director for the Union Grove High School Marching Band. Mr. Chastain completed his Bachelor of Music Education from Kennesaw State University in 2024. He plans to begin his Masters of Music Education degree in the summer of 2026. Mr. Chastain’s professional affiliations include: National Association for Music Education, Georgia Music Educators Association, National Band Association, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.

 

He currently resides in Stockbridge with his dog, Percy.

Harrison Cho, Director of Percussion, Union Grove High School 

 

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Naomi Rodriguez, Director of Color Guard, Union Grove High School

 

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Staff

Additional Band Staff at Union Grove High School play a vital role in the success and growth of our band program. With more students, more music, and higher expectations than ever. Extra staff ensure every musician receives the attention, instruction, and support they need to thrive. These dedicated educators help reinforce technique, refine musical excellence, manage logistics, and maintain a safe, focused rehearsal environment. By expanding our instructional team, we elevate the quality of instruction, accelerate student progress, and create a richer, more rewarding experience for every member of the band—on and off the field.

 

2026-2027

Joseph Moore - Woodwind Caption Consultant

Kevin Stinton-Gallegos - Low Brass and Drum Majors Technician

 

Band Camp:

 

TBA

 

2025-2026

Joesph Moore - Woodwind Caption Consultant

Kevin Stinton-Gallegos - Low Brass and Drum Majors

Harrison Cho - Percussion/ Front Ensemble

Sonia Martin-Flowers -  Director of Color Guard

Naomi Rodriguez - Assistant Director of Color Guard

 

Band Camp

Heidi Lovstrom - Flutes

Savanna Petri - Clarinets

Calvin Gatewood - Saxophones

Jacob Meiring - Trumpets

Charles Bye - Mellophones

Kevin Stinton-Gallegos - Lowbrass

Amore Brewer - Interim Percussion Director

Hunter Schleis - Front Ensemble

Carter Stanton - Drum Line

 

2024-2025

 

Seasonal

Deni Lee - Woodwind Instructor

Kevin Stinton-Gallegos - Low Brass and Drum Majors

Joshua Mintz - Visual Consultant

Levi Mason - Percussion Technician

 

Band Camp

Heidi Lovstrom - Flutes

Savanna Petri - Clarinets

Calvin Gatewood - Saxophones

Jacob Meiring - Trumpets

Charles Bye - Mellophones

Kevin Stinton-Gallegos - Lowbrass

Amore Brewer - Percussion