Combined Bands Concert

Symphonic Band Conductor Bios

Michael C. Robinson serves as Professor of Music Education at the University of Georgia. His duties include teaching courses in instrumental music education, conducting, and as Director of the UGA Symphonic Band. Robinson previously served for eleven years as the Director of The Sudler Trophy Award winning UGA Redcoat Marching Band. A native of Florida, Robinson received B.M. and M.M. degrees in Music Education and a D.M.A. degree in Instrumental Conducting from the University of Miami. Prior to the UGA appointment, he served as Associate Director of Bands at the University of South Florida in Tampa and Director of Bands at Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas. Robinson also taught eleven years in the public schools of Florida, most notably as Director of Bands at Seminole High School in Pinellas County Florida. During his teaching career, Robinson has received numerous honors and awards including; Pinellas County Teacher of the Year, City of Seminole Educator of the Year, USF College of Visual and Performing Arts Outstanding Service Award, The Orpheus Award from Phi Mu Alpha, and The Friend of the Arts award from Sigma Alpha Iota, among others. Robinson is active as a guest conductor, clinician and adjudicator throughout the United States. He also has extensive experience in the marching arts having served in a variety of capacities with top DCI Drum and Bugle corps such as the Boston Crusaders, The Cadets, Carolina Crown, Iowa Colts, Madison Scouts, and Suncoast Sound.

Jeremy Smith is a third-year Doctoral Conducting Associate at the University of Georgia and is in the conducting studio of Dr. Nicholas Williams, with additional mentorship by Dr. Jaclyn Hartenberger. Jeremy is a native of Atlanta, Georgia, and a proud product of the DeKalb County School District, where he graduated from Southwest DeKalb High School. He attended Florida A&M University and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Music Education. Jeremy later received his Master's in Music Education from Norfolk State University while serving as a graduate assistant with the band program. In this capacity, he co-conducted the symphonic wind ensemble, assisted with the marching band, and aided in the recruitment efforts for the band program. Most recently, Jeremy completed his Education Specialist degree (EdS) in Music Education from Piedmont College (Demorest, GA).

Jeremy started his teaching career as an elementary band director in the DeKalb County School District. He later served as the Orchestra and Assistant Band Director at Stephenson Middle School and served as the Assistant Band Director at Stephenson High School for three years. As Assistant Band Director at Stephenson High School, he assisted with the wind ensemble, conducted the symphonic band and trumpet choir, served as the primary drill writer for the marching band, and taught the beginning band class.

Jeremy is a member of the College Band Directors Association (CBDNA), National Association for Music Educators (NAFME), the Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA), Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America, and Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity.

Gilbert Villagrana is currently serving as a Doctoral Conducting Associate for the University of Georgia Bands. Originally from Texas, he earned his Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of North Texas. Recently, he completed his Master of Music in Trumpet Performance at the University of Georgia. Before joining the University of Georgia, Gilbert served with distinction in the United States Marine Corps stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, NC. During his enlistment, he showcased his musical prowess as a trumpet instrumentalist with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band. His diverse roles also included serving as an assistant enlisted conductor, a leader of small ensemble units, and as principal trumpet.

Gilbert's dedication to his craft is evident through his extensive training with notable mentors such as Philip Smith, Allen Vizzutti, Dr. Jason Bergman, and John Holt. As a performer, Gilbert has excelled, achieving recognition as a finalist in the Military Band excerpt division at The National Trumpet Competition for multiple years. His musical journey has led him to perform with prestigious ensembles including the Quantico Marine Corps Band, University of North Texas Symphonic Band, and as principal trumpet in the University of Georgia Symphony Orchestra.

Beyond his musical pursuits, Gilbert has been deeply involved in the world of marching arts since 2012, both as a skilled performer and an adept educator. Within the University of Georgia Redcoat Marching Band, he plays an active role as a dedicated staff member, helping contribute to the musical and visual demands of the organization. Currently, he lends his expertise to the acclaimed Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps, where he serves as a brass technician, contributing to the corps' brass performance awards.

Wind Symphony Conductor Bios

Jack A. Eaddy, Jr., a native of Orangeburg, SC, is the Director of Athletic Bands at Western Carolina University. Dr. Eaddy serves as Director of the Pride of the Mountains Marching Band and conducts the Symphonic Band in the School of Music. Prior to his appointment at WCU, Dr. Eaddy served as Assistant Director of Bands at McNeese State University and the University of South Carolina, where he assisted with athletic bands, including the Pride of McNeese Marching Band and the Carolina Band, as well as taught music education courses. 

Dr. Eaddy earned the Doctor of Musical Arts in Wind Conducting from the University of North Texas. He holds a Master of Music in Wind Conducting from the University of Georgia, and a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Florida State University. As Director of Bands at Oak Ridge High School, Dr. Eaddy developed a flourishing program that was recognized throughout the state of Florida for maintaining the highest standards in spite of the challenges that many of its students experienced. Dr. Eaddy received the Florida Music Educators Association Tom Bishop Award that recognizes a director in the state of Florida who has turned a program around, making a positive difference in a short amount of time.

Anthony Morris is currently pursuing a Master of Music in Wind Conducting at the University of Georgia where he studies with Dr. Nicholas Williams and Dr. Jaclyn Hartenberger and serves as a Master’s Conducting Associate for the UGA Bands. Mr.  Morris  received a Bachelor of Music in Music Education with a dual concentration in Instrumental and Choral education with Cum Laude distinction from Kennesaw State University. Prior to graduate study, Mr. Morris served as the Director of Bands & Choirs at Wildwood Middle High School where he was responsible for the instruction and administration of the middle & high school concert bands, marching band, music theory, and choir program. 

Mr.  Morris  has appeared as a guest conductor with the United States Army Band "Pershing's Own" and was named a Conducting Fellow for the H. Robert Reynolds Conducting Institute at the 76th Annual Midwest Clinic in Chicago, Illinois. His passion for music education has led him to create the Relative Pitch Podcast which discusses modern issues regarding music education and helps pave the way for much-needed change to make a more diverse, enriching, and equitable music community. Through these endeavors, Mr. Morris  and Relative Pitch Podcast presented sessions entitled “Community Building: Meet Them Where They Are” at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, “Changing of the Guard: Shifting Perspectives of Education” at the College Band Directors National Association National Conference, and “Pushing for Change From the Inside: Bringing Equity to Middle and High School Bands” at the annual Georgia Music Educators Association In-Service Conference. 

Professional affiliations include Collegiate Band Directors National Association, National Association for Music Educators, Georgia Music Educator Association, Florida Music Educator Association, Florida Bandmasters Association, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.