"Although Samantha Maltagliati is in her first year as a high school band director, her program’s achievements suggest years of experience. She’s led her students to earn top ratings in marching, jazz, and concert performance assessments. Beyond these accolades, Samantha’s true strength lies in her unwavering commitment to her students. Her classroom is a warm, structured, and organized environment that enables her 120+ students to feel valued and included.
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Samantha also goes above and beyond typical expectations for a high school band director. She provides numerous performance opportunities and is actively involved in the “Drum Major Leadership Academy,” a leading virtual platform for leadership and conducting education in marching arts. Samantha’s expertise also extends to presenting at conferences like the Tennessee Music Educator Association Conference and the Alabama Bandmasters Association Summer Conference. Her topics, “Building Your Dream Marching Ensemble” and “Developing A Higher Performing Student Leadership Team,” showcase her innovative approach to music education.
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Samantha embodies the top qualities sought after in music educators: creativity, engagement, passion, kindness, and musical prowess. Her contributions make her a beacon of excellence in the field of music education, and it’s truly an honor to collaborate with her."
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National Band Directors’ Day 2024 National Spotlight
Nominated by Chelsey Roberts, Educational Representative
An alumnus of the Sandalwood Band Program, Termarcus Mixon has over 20 years of teaching experience and bleds Blue and Gold. On Sundays, you'll see him on the Jags D-Line cheering on the Jags.
BRITTANY THOMAS IS A SANDALWOOD COLORGUARD ALUMNI FROM 2004- 2007 AND KNOWS FIRST HAND HOW HARDWORK & DEDICATION CAN PAY OFF IN THIS SPORT AND THE POSITIVE IMPACT THAT BAND CAN HAVE IN LIFE. THEY BRING YEARS OF TRADITION, PRIDE, AND LOVE FOR THE SPORT TO TEACHING OUR COLORGUARD MEMBERS
