Waynesburg Central BandS Staff
Mr. Douglas E. Mason
MBM & WCHS Band Director, 7-12 Marching Band Director
Mr. Mason is a graduate of WVU and resides in Waynesburg with his two children.
MBM & WCHS Band Director, 7-12 Marching Band Director
Mr. Mason is a graduate of WVU and resides in Waynesburg with his two children.
Mrs. Mandi Fordyce
Assistant Director
Mrs. Fordyce graduated from Waynesburg Central High School in 2011. During her time at Waynesburg she performed in the Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Marching Band, Flute Ensemble, Clarinet Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, as well as performing in school musicals. She also participated in PMEA festivals, WVU Honors Band, and the Waynesburg University Band. She is also a graduate of Youngstown State University with a Bachelor in Music Education. While studying with Dr. Kathryn Thomas Umble, she remained on the Dean's list and graduated in 2015 magna cum laude. She performed with the Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Symphony Orchestra, Flute Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra, Young Artist Concerto Competition, YSU Marching Pride, Pep Band, New Music Ensemble, Dana Chorale and the YSU Opera. Since graduating she has become the flute instructor for Waynesburg Central High School and Margret Bell Miller Middle School, teaching during the marching band season and starting up the flute ensemble. She also teaches lessons privately as well as performs with the East Winds Symphonic Band in Pittsburgh, PA. In addition to working with the band she also works at the Greene County Chamber of Commerce.
Assistant Director
Mrs. Fordyce graduated from Waynesburg Central High School in 2011. During her time at Waynesburg she performed in the Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Marching Band, Flute Ensemble, Clarinet Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, as well as performing in school musicals. She also participated in PMEA festivals, WVU Honors Band, and the Waynesburg University Band. She is also a graduate of Youngstown State University with a Bachelor in Music Education. While studying with Dr. Kathryn Thomas Umble, she remained on the Dean's list and graduated in 2015 magna cum laude. She performed with the Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Symphony Orchestra, Flute Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra, Young Artist Concerto Competition, YSU Marching Pride, Pep Band, New Music Ensemble, Dana Chorale and the YSU Opera. Since graduating she has become the flute instructor for Waynesburg Central High School and Margret Bell Miller Middle School, teaching during the marching band season and starting up the flute ensemble. She also teaches lessons privately as well as performs with the East Winds Symphonic Band in Pittsburgh, PA. In addition to working with the band she also works at the Greene County Chamber of Commerce.
Ms. Kate Graham
Assistant Director
Ms. Graham is a 2007 graduate of Waynesburg Central High School. While at WCHS she participated in Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Marching Band, African Dance Ensemble, Madrigal, and Show Choir. As a high school student, she attended WVU Honors Band, County Band, and PMEA Honors Choir. After graduation, Ms. Graham attended West Virginia University where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Music and studied voice under the direction of Dr. Mandy Spivak and Dr. Nicholas Perna. Throughout college she was a member of the WVU Pep Band, Women’s Choir, Women’s Jazz, University Choir, and Choral Union. She has been a marching instructor with Waynesburg Central since 2007, and coordinator of the Drum Major selection process with the Waynesburg bands since 2010. Currently, she is pursuing a Masters in Elementary Education from California University of Pennsylvania. In her spare time, she plays French horn and trumpet, sings locally, and teaches both piano and voice lessons privately.
Assistant Director
Ms. Graham is a 2007 graduate of Waynesburg Central High School. While at WCHS she participated in Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Marching Band, African Dance Ensemble, Madrigal, and Show Choir. As a high school student, she attended WVU Honors Band, County Band, and PMEA Honors Choir. After graduation, Ms. Graham attended West Virginia University where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Music and studied voice under the direction of Dr. Mandy Spivak and Dr. Nicholas Perna. Throughout college she was a member of the WVU Pep Band, Women’s Choir, Women’s Jazz, University Choir, and Choral Union. She has been a marching instructor with Waynesburg Central since 2007, and coordinator of the Drum Major selection process with the Waynesburg bands since 2010. Currently, she is pursuing a Masters in Elementary Education from California University of Pennsylvania. In her spare time, she plays French horn and trumpet, sings locally, and teaches both piano and voice lessons privately.
Ms. Cassie Nelson
Assistant Director
Assistant Director
Mrs. Lindsey Parks
Assistant Director
Mrs. Parks is a 2010 graduate of Waynesburg Central High School. She played the trumpet in the band from 4th grade on. In high school, she also played different instruments in various small ensembles such as the tenor saxophone, flute, French horn, and steel drum and was the Trumpet Section Leader her senior year. After graduation, Mrs. Parks went on to attend California University of PA where she majored in Elementary Education with certification in pre-k through 4th grade. While at CalU she played in the marching and concert bands and was a peer instructor her senior year. Now she is a pre-k teacher for Blue Prints at Waynesburg Central High School. In her spare time, Mrs. Parks takes her Mustang to various car shows and drag races in the area.
Assistant Director
Mrs. Parks is a 2010 graduate of Waynesburg Central High School. She played the trumpet in the band from 4th grade on. In high school, she also played different instruments in various small ensembles such as the tenor saxophone, flute, French horn, and steel drum and was the Trumpet Section Leader her senior year. After graduation, Mrs. Parks went on to attend California University of PA where she majored in Elementary Education with certification in pre-k through 4th grade. While at CalU she played in the marching and concert bands and was a peer instructor her senior year. Now she is a pre-k teacher for Blue Prints at Waynesburg Central High School. In her spare time, Mrs. Parks takes her Mustang to various car shows and drag races in the area.
Mrs. Aleisha Mason
Marching Coordinator
Marching Coordinator
Mr. A. Scott Henley
Guard Coordinator
Mr. Henley is from Brentwood, Pennsylvania. He has been teaching and performing for 35 years.
Mr. Henley has been with Waynesburg since 2000. Having marched in Junior Drum Corp, Senior Drum Corp, and various Winter Guards, Scott brings his expertise and knowledge to the Waynesburg Marching Band.
Guard Coordinator
Mr. Henley is from Brentwood, Pennsylvania. He has been teaching and performing for 35 years.
Mr. Henley has been with Waynesburg since 2000. Having marched in Junior Drum Corp, Senior Drum Corp, and various Winter Guards, Scott brings his expertise and knowledge to the Waynesburg Marching Band.
Mr. Matthew C. Rogers
Percussion Coordinator
Percussion Coordinator
Mr. Gene Cappellini
Visual Coordinator & Woodwind Instructor
Mr. Cappellini graduated from Waynesburg Central High School in 1964 and in 1971 received his Masters Degree in Music from Vandercook College in Chicago, Illinois. He taught music for 35 years. The first two years were in the West Greene School District, and the remaining 33 years were in the Central Greene School District where he was band director for 23 years at Waynesburg Central High School and 10 years at the elementary school. Mr. Cappellini is a past member of the National Judges Association and a Tournament of Bands judge, judging individual music, music GE, ensemble music, music analysis and repertoire. He was also the wind instructor for the McGuffey High School Competitive Marching Band for 17 years. Outside of music, Mr. Cappellini is a NSCA Level 1 shooting instructor, spending his time at Nemacolin Woodlands enjoying his hobby of shooting sporting clays.
Visual Coordinator & Woodwind Instructor
Mr. Cappellini graduated from Waynesburg Central High School in 1964 and in 1971 received his Masters Degree in Music from Vandercook College in Chicago, Illinois. He taught music for 35 years. The first two years were in the West Greene School District, and the remaining 33 years were in the Central Greene School District where he was band director for 23 years at Waynesburg Central High School and 10 years at the elementary school. Mr. Cappellini is a past member of the National Judges Association and a Tournament of Bands judge, judging individual music, music GE, ensemble music, music analysis and repertoire. He was also the wind instructor for the McGuffey High School Competitive Marching Band for 17 years. Outside of music, Mr. Cappellini is a NSCA Level 1 shooting instructor, spending his time at Nemacolin Woodlands enjoying his hobby of shooting sporting clays.
Mr. Travis Nestor
Percussion Instructor
Mr. Nestor is a freelance musician, music instructor, and composer/arranger from Clarksburg, WV. Holding degrees from West Virginia University and the University of Louisville, he is currently a doctoral candidate in WVU’s Doctorate of Percussion Performance program. Mr. Nestor has taught all ages from elementary school to college, serving as an assistant band director and Percussion Caption Head at North Hardin High School in Radcliff, KY during the 2013-14 school year where the marching band received second place in the AA division of Bands of America’s Grand Nationals Competition. He also served as the adjunct percussion professor at Alderson-Broaddus University during the 2014-15 school year. Within the marching arts, Mr. Nestor has been the quad line instructor for the WGI World Class Tates Creek Indoor Ensemble during the 2013 and 2014 seasons. He was also the quad line instructor and visual consultant for the Three Rivers Indoor Percussion ensemble during the 2015 season. During the summers, Mr. Nestor arranges for competitive marching bands along the east coast while teaching at the Music for All Summer Symposium hosted by Bands of America each year. Beginning in the fall of 2019, he will serve as the interim Director of Bands at Robert C. Byrd High School in Clarksburg, WV. As a musician, Mr. Nestor marched with the Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps (2009), Three Rivers Indoor Percussion (2011), and the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps (2010, 2012) where he aged out as the section leader of the quad line. He has also performed in many countries as part of concert and orchestral ensembles, including the Jungfrau Music Festival in Interlochen, Switzerland, the National Theatre of Costa Rica, and across Germany, Italy, and Austria. Mr. Nestor happily endorses Vic Firth products as one of their marching specialists/education artists.
Percussion Instructor
Mr. Nestor is a freelance musician, music instructor, and composer/arranger from Clarksburg, WV. Holding degrees from West Virginia University and the University of Louisville, he is currently a doctoral candidate in WVU’s Doctorate of Percussion Performance program. Mr. Nestor has taught all ages from elementary school to college, serving as an assistant band director and Percussion Caption Head at North Hardin High School in Radcliff, KY during the 2013-14 school year where the marching band received second place in the AA division of Bands of America’s Grand Nationals Competition. He also served as the adjunct percussion professor at Alderson-Broaddus University during the 2014-15 school year. Within the marching arts, Mr. Nestor has been the quad line instructor for the WGI World Class Tates Creek Indoor Ensemble during the 2013 and 2014 seasons. He was also the quad line instructor and visual consultant for the Three Rivers Indoor Percussion ensemble during the 2015 season. During the summers, Mr. Nestor arranges for competitive marching bands along the east coast while teaching at the Music for All Summer Symposium hosted by Bands of America each year. Beginning in the fall of 2019, he will serve as the interim Director of Bands at Robert C. Byrd High School in Clarksburg, WV. As a musician, Mr. Nestor marched with the Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps (2009), Three Rivers Indoor Percussion (2011), and the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps (2010, 2012) where he aged out as the section leader of the quad line. He has also performed in many countries as part of concert and orchestral ensembles, including the Jungfrau Music Festival in Interlochen, Switzerland, the National Theatre of Costa Rica, and across Germany, Italy, and Austria. Mr. Nestor happily endorses Vic Firth products as one of their marching specialists/education artists.
Mr. Zachary Mason
Marching Instructor
Mr. Mason graduated from Waynesburg Central High School in 2009. He is also a graduate of Waynesburg University where he majored in History and played tuba in the Symphonic Band and Brass Ensemble. Mr. Mason is currently the Senior Social Studies teacher at McConnellsburg High School. His hobbies include proving Ms. Kate Graham wrong all the time.
Marching Instructor
Mr. Mason graduated from Waynesburg Central High School in 2009. He is also a graduate of Waynesburg University where he majored in History and played tuba in the Symphonic Band and Brass Ensemble. Mr. Mason is currently the Senior Social Studies teacher at McConnellsburg High School. His hobbies include proving Ms. Kate Graham wrong all the time.
Mr. Sean Sawyer
Trumpet Instructor
Mr. Sawyer is a 1988 graduate and former trumpet section leader at Morgantown High School. During his high school career, he was a three year solo/lead trumpet player for its nationally award-winning Jazz Ensemble, two-time member of the West Virginia All-State Band, a member of the Eastern Regional Honors Band, and joined the WVU Marching Band, the "Pride of West Virginia", while still a senior in high school. He later began his professional career traveling nationwide and performing with musical greats such as Vince DiMartino, Dizzy Gillespie, and Wynton Marsalis. In 2014, Mr. Sawyer became the Brass Instructor for the WCHS Band, and in 2017 he accepted the Central Greene School District's invitation to become an Assistant Band Director. When not educating the musical youth of Waynesburg, Sean is a partner at the Fairmont WV-based personal injury law firm of Higinbotham & Higinbotham. He is a founding member and continues to consult with the MountainFest Motorcycle Rally held annually in July in Morgantown. He routinely volunteers a tremendous amount of his time throughout the community as Past President of the Rotary Club of Fairmont WV, Assistant Governor of Rotary District 7530 and Secretary-Treasurer of his local Neighborhood Watch Association. He also routinely performs pro bono work for victims of domestic violence, certain area businesses and municipal public service districts. Sean now lives on family property near his parents and two brothers in Preston County, WV with his wife, Julie, and their five children, Christopher, Chase, Ryan, Nicholas and Corinne. Sean continues to play in municipal bands in Morgantown and Shinnston, WV, travels with the WVU European Touring Alumni Band, and is the face-melting trumpeter in the horn section of the Subway Show Band based out of Morgantown, led by oldies music legend, Terry Lewis.
Trumpet Instructor
Mr. Sawyer is a 1988 graduate and former trumpet section leader at Morgantown High School. During his high school career, he was a three year solo/lead trumpet player for its nationally award-winning Jazz Ensemble, two-time member of the West Virginia All-State Band, a member of the Eastern Regional Honors Band, and joined the WVU Marching Band, the "Pride of West Virginia", while still a senior in high school. He later began his professional career traveling nationwide and performing with musical greats such as Vince DiMartino, Dizzy Gillespie, and Wynton Marsalis. In 2014, Mr. Sawyer became the Brass Instructor for the WCHS Band, and in 2017 he accepted the Central Greene School District's invitation to become an Assistant Band Director. When not educating the musical youth of Waynesburg, Sean is a partner at the Fairmont WV-based personal injury law firm of Higinbotham & Higinbotham. He is a founding member and continues to consult with the MountainFest Motorcycle Rally held annually in July in Morgantown. He routinely volunteers a tremendous amount of his time throughout the community as Past President of the Rotary Club of Fairmont WV, Assistant Governor of Rotary District 7530 and Secretary-Treasurer of his local Neighborhood Watch Association. He also routinely performs pro bono work for victims of domestic violence, certain area businesses and municipal public service districts. Sean now lives on family property near his parents and two brothers in Preston County, WV with his wife, Julie, and their five children, Christopher, Chase, Ryan, Nicholas and Corinne. Sean continues to play in municipal bands in Morgantown and Shinnston, WV, travels with the WVU European Touring Alumni Band, and is the face-melting trumpeter in the horn section of the Subway Show Band based out of Morgantown, led by oldies music legend, Terry Lewis.
Mr. Douglas Shaffer
Low Brass Instructor
Mr. Shaffer is a 2018 graduate of Morgantown High School. He was the Trombone section leader in the marching band and was a featured soloist in his Senior year. He was in the Symphonic Band for one year and the Wind Ensemble for three years as well. In addition to being in the MHS band, he also was selected to the West Virginia All-State band three times. Mr. Shaffer is a Music Education major at West Virginia University and is looking forward to marching with the Pride of West Virginia.
Low Brass Instructor
Mr. Shaffer is a 2018 graduate of Morgantown High School. He was the Trombone section leader in the marching band and was a featured soloist in his Senior year. He was in the Symphonic Band for one year and the Wind Ensemble for three years as well. In addition to being in the MHS band, he also was selected to the West Virginia All-State band three times. Mr. Shaffer is a Music Education major at West Virginia University and is looking forward to marching with the Pride of West Virginia.
Ms. Nikki Shriver
Percussion Instructor
Percussion Instructor
Mrs. Cynthia L. Smith
Wind Instructor
Mrs. Smith earned both bachelor and master of music degrees from West Virginia University, graduating Magna Cum Laude. She retired after 31 years of teaching. She taught instrumental music in Morgantown for three years and Williamstown for eight years. She was the director of bands at Blennerhassett Middle School in Parkersburg for twenty years. Under Mrs. Smith’s direction, the band has consistently received superior ratings at both the West Virginia Regional Concert Band Performance Evaluation and Jazz Band Festival. Blennerhassett Middle School band students also consistently earned superior ratings at the West Virginia Regional Solo & Ensemble Festival. They have made several appearances on the West Virginia State Solo & Ensemble Honor Recital. Mrs. Smith served as the Region 2 Concert Band Festival chairperson, a member of the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission Band Committee, West Virginia Bandmasters Executive Board, and the National Federation of High Schools Music Association. She is a member of West Virginia Music Educators Association and Phi Beta Mu. She was selected as West Virginia Bandmaster of the year in 2015. Mrs. Smith is active throughout the state of West Virginia as an adjudicator, clinician and guest conductor. Mrs. Smith resides in St. Marys, West Virginia, with her husband Wayne, retired director of bands at Tyler Consolidated High School.
Wind Instructor
Mrs. Smith earned both bachelor and master of music degrees from West Virginia University, graduating Magna Cum Laude. She retired after 31 years of teaching. She taught instrumental music in Morgantown for three years and Williamstown for eight years. She was the director of bands at Blennerhassett Middle School in Parkersburg for twenty years. Under Mrs. Smith’s direction, the band has consistently received superior ratings at both the West Virginia Regional Concert Band Performance Evaluation and Jazz Band Festival. Blennerhassett Middle School band students also consistently earned superior ratings at the West Virginia Regional Solo & Ensemble Festival. They have made several appearances on the West Virginia State Solo & Ensemble Honor Recital. Mrs. Smith served as the Region 2 Concert Band Festival chairperson, a member of the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission Band Committee, West Virginia Bandmasters Executive Board, and the National Federation of High Schools Music Association. She is a member of West Virginia Music Educators Association and Phi Beta Mu. She was selected as West Virginia Bandmaster of the year in 2015. Mrs. Smith is active throughout the state of West Virginia as an adjudicator, clinician and guest conductor. Mrs. Smith resides in St. Marys, West Virginia, with her husband Wayne, retired director of bands at Tyler Consolidated High School.
Mr. Wayne Smith
Low Brass Instructor
Mr. Smith is a graduate of West Virginia University and the United States Navy School of Music. He is a former trombonist with the NATO Band based in Naples, Italy and early in his career was an active member of the Morgantown and Wheeling musician’s unions. He currently performs with the Doug Hess Big Band in Parkersburg, West Virginia and the St. Mary’s Community Concert Band. He served as director of bands at Tyler County High School from 1986-1993 and was the director of bands at Tyler Consolidated High/Middle Schools from 1993-2016. Mr. Smith is retired after 30 years of teaching band in Tyler County. In 2018, he was inducted into the West Virginia Music Educators Hall of Fame. Mr. Smith resides in St. Mary’s, West Virginia with his wife, Cindy, retired director of bands at Blennerhassett Middle School.
Low Brass Instructor
Mr. Smith is a graduate of West Virginia University and the United States Navy School of Music. He is a former trombonist with the NATO Band based in Naples, Italy and early in his career was an active member of the Morgantown and Wheeling musician’s unions. He currently performs with the Doug Hess Big Band in Parkersburg, West Virginia and the St. Mary’s Community Concert Band. He served as director of bands at Tyler County High School from 1986-1993 and was the director of bands at Tyler Consolidated High/Middle Schools from 1993-2016. Mr. Smith is retired after 30 years of teaching band in Tyler County. In 2018, he was inducted into the West Virginia Music Educators Hall of Fame. Mr. Smith resides in St. Mary’s, West Virginia with his wife, Cindy, retired director of bands at Blennerhassett Middle School.
Mr. Jason A. Falvo
WCES Band Director and Music Teacher, Saxophone Instructor
Mr. Falvo graduated from Trinity High School in 1989 and from WVU in 1993 on a Full Performing Arts Scholarship and has been teaching in CGSD every since. In high school, he performed in many PMEA Festivals including: Jr. High District Band; Sr. High District Band; Region Band (2 years); State Band (2 years); and All-East Band in Boston representing PA as the top alto saxophone player and multiple year member of PMEA Honor's Band. In addition, Mr. Falvo was a multiple year member of the California University of PA Honor's Jazz Band and the WVU Honor Band and spent the summer at Bucknell University at the Governor's School for the Arts. One of his proudest accomplishments while at WVU was earning their highest performance level of 10 during the first semester of his sophomore year. He currently serves as Director of Elementary Bands and teaches elementary music at Waynesburg Central Elementary School. He taught at Margaret Bell Miller Middle School for 10 years teaching band and choir before coming to WCES. He has had the privilege to work with other school groups in the area including: Canon-McMillan; Trinity (Assistant Band Director); and Margaret Bell Miller Middle School. He performed in, conducted the pit orchestra, and sat on the Board of the Washington Community Theater in Washington, PA. He has performed with: the Waynesburg University Wind Ensemble; the W & J Wind Ensemble; a guest soloist with the Trinity High School Wind Ensemble; and performed with the Larry Falvo Orchestra, a professional 16-member jazz band, as a young student. He also had an article published in the School, Band, and Orchestra Magazine. Mr. Falvo resides in Washington, PA with his wife and two children.
WCES Band Director and Music Teacher, Saxophone Instructor
Mr. Falvo graduated from Trinity High School in 1989 and from WVU in 1993 on a Full Performing Arts Scholarship and has been teaching in CGSD every since. In high school, he performed in many PMEA Festivals including: Jr. High District Band; Sr. High District Band; Region Band (2 years); State Band (2 years); and All-East Band in Boston representing PA as the top alto saxophone player and multiple year member of PMEA Honor's Band. In addition, Mr. Falvo was a multiple year member of the California University of PA Honor's Jazz Band and the WVU Honor Band and spent the summer at Bucknell University at the Governor's School for the Arts. One of his proudest accomplishments while at WVU was earning their highest performance level of 10 during the first semester of his sophomore year. He currently serves as Director of Elementary Bands and teaches elementary music at Waynesburg Central Elementary School. He taught at Margaret Bell Miller Middle School for 10 years teaching band and choir before coming to WCES. He has had the privilege to work with other school groups in the area including: Canon-McMillan; Trinity (Assistant Band Director); and Margaret Bell Miller Middle School. He performed in, conducted the pit orchestra, and sat on the Board of the Washington Community Theater in Washington, PA. He has performed with: the Waynesburg University Wind Ensemble; the W & J Wind Ensemble; a guest soloist with the Trinity High School Wind Ensemble; and performed with the Larry Falvo Orchestra, a professional 16-member jazz band, as a young student. He also had an article published in the School, Band, and Orchestra Magazine. Mr. Falvo resides in Washington, PA with his wife and two children.
Ms. Paige Zalar
Marching Instructor
Ms. Zalar graduated from Waynesburg Central High School in 2013. She participated in Jazz Band, Clarinet Ensemble, Concert Band, and Marching Band and was Drum Major from 2011 to 2013 during her time at Waynesburg. She was also named Drum Major of Gannon University's Pep Band during her first year there. Ms. Zalar is now a student at California University majoring in Public Relations. Any student looking for extra help or private lessons on the alto saxophone may contact Ms. Zalar by email at paigezalar@yahoo.com!
Marching Instructor
Ms. Zalar graduated from Waynesburg Central High School in 2013. She participated in Jazz Band, Clarinet Ensemble, Concert Band, and Marching Band and was Drum Major from 2011 to 2013 during her time at Waynesburg. She was also named Drum Major of Gannon University's Pep Band during her first year there. Ms. Zalar is now a student at California University majoring in Public Relations. Any student looking for extra help or private lessons on the alto saxophone may contact Ms. Zalar by email at paigezalar@yahoo.com!