DIRECTORS AND STAFF

Kayla Poor

Director of Bands 

Kayla Poor holds the position of Director of Bands at Denmark High School in Alpharetta, Georgia. Her responsibilities include directing and instructing the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Marching Band, Jazz Band, and coaching the school’s various chamber ensembles. Ms. Poor is also the Chapter Advisor for Denmark’s Tri-M Music Honor Society. Previously, Ms. Poor taught at River Ridge Academy in Bluffton, South Carolina.

Ms. Poor received her bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. During her time as an undergraduate, Ms. Poor studied Horn under Dr. Paul Basler and was an active performer in various ensembles throughout her collegiate years.

While at River Ridge Academy, Ms. Poor was responsible for directing the band program, originating the school’s first middle school choir program, and teaching Music Appreciation classes. The River Ridge Academy music programs experienced a significant amount of growth and earned Superior ratings at performance evaluation.

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In addition to her work in the public school system, Ms. Poor has been highly involved with the marching arts community. She is an alumna of the 2015 Phantom Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps and served on the brass staff for Spirit of Atlanta Drum & Bugle Corps from 2017-2019, and served as the Assistant Brass Caption Head for Spirit of Atlanta from 2020-2023.

Ms. Poor’s professional affiliations include National Band Association, Georgia Music Educators Association, National Association for Music Educators, and Sigma Alpha Iota.

STAFF:

Caroline Buckner: Percussion Director

Sai Gonyea: Color Guard Director

Addison Poor: Band Instructor

Will Snow: Guard Instructor

Alex Wijma: Percussion Instructor