Lee Commander currently oversees the Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Jazz Bands, Percussion Ensemble and the Marching Redcoats. All of the ensembles at Leon High School have maintained Superior Ratings at both the district and/or state levels under his direction, and have earned outstanding accolades including the prestigious Otto Kraushaar, and Jack Crew Awards. Ensembles under his instruction have performed as featured ensembles at The Southeastern United State Band Clinic in Troy, AL, and at The Florida Music Education Association Conference in Tampa, FL. During his time as the Director of Bands he has added the Instrumental Lesson’s Academy where students can receive one-on-one instruction from music professionals in the area, and established a scholarship endowment for students continued study in post-secondary education.

Prior to earning his B.M.E from The Florida State University, where he was highly involved within the College of Music including work with the Board of Advisors, and Marching Chiefs. He was awarded the Manley Whitcomb Scholarship in 2010 for his continued support and effort to music education and a Medal of Honor from The Marching Chiefs.

While completing his Master’s in Music Education from the Florida State University in 2018, he worked with Dr. Alice-Ann Darrow to develop curriculum for students with significant disabilities in an ensemble music setting. As a result, he currently coordinates the “Lion’s United Band,” where students from self-contained classroom settings can perform in an integrated classroom environment along with several other performing ensembles at Leon such as Steel Pans, Guitar and Chorus.

Mr. Commander holds Honorary Membership to Tau Beta Sigma and Kappa Kappa Psi. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Award from Tau Beta Sigma in 2021 for his work as a Southeast District Counselor. His other professional associations include The National Association for Music Education, The Florida Music Education Association, The National Band Association, and The Florida Bandmasters Association.

Curtis Newson is the Associate Director of Bands at Leon High School. As the Associate Director of Bands, Mr. Newson teaches the Concert Band Brass, Jazz Band A, and Introduction to Percussion classes. He also co-teaches the Symphonic Band and Marching Redcoats with Mr. Commander. While at Leon, Jazz Band A has performed throughout North Florida and earned Superior ratings at state level assessment. Prior to teaching at Leon High School, Mr. Newson recently graduated from the Florida State University with a BME in Instrumental Music Education and Jazz Studies. While at FSU, he performed with the Marching Chiefs, Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble I, and many other ensembles. As a Marching Chief, he was awarded the Medal of Honor for service to the band program. 

Throughout his time at FSU, Mr. Newson was a member of Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Band Fraternity. While a member, he served FSU’s chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi as Music Director and Vice President. In these roles, he received the J. Lee Burke Student Achievement award, for outstanding contributions to the fraternity as a student leader.  While at FSU, Mr. Newson also marched with the Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps in 2018. In addition to teaching, Mr. Newson is an active drill writer and music arranger throughout the southeast and has written for different high school and college ensembles.

Erin Whalley is the current Band Director at Elizabeth Cobb Middle School in Tallahassee, Florida. Prior to holding her position at Cobb Middle School, she previously taught at Taylor County Middle School in Perry, Florida (2013–2015). In her tenure at Cobb, Ms. Whalley has earned Superior ratings with both Concert and Symphonic Bands, increased enrollment in the band program, added a Percussion class, serves as the Fine Arts Department Chair, has been nominated for Teacher of the Year, and has served as a beginning teacher mentor for new teachers at Cobb. In addition to her responsibilities at Cobb, Ms. Whalley works with the Leon High School Marching Redcoats as their Assistant Band Director, Sectional Coach, and assistant at major events when possible.

Ms. Whalley actively supports and participates in the Florida Bandmasters Association (FBA), has recently been nominated to the Solo and Ensemble adjudicators list, and is the current FBA Secretary for District 3. She has also been the coordinator of the Big Bend All-District Honor Band since 2018, actively takes a role in helping other directors in the area, and has recently become a cooperating teacher for The Florida State University.

Ms. Whalley still actively performs in Tallahassee and the surrounding communities. She has performed in West Side Story, My Fair Lady, and currently performs with the Tallahassee Winds.

Michael Panzarino is the percussion director at Leon High School and also teaches privately from his residence percussion studio.  Michael maintains an active membership to both FMEA and FBA, the latter of which he holds certified percussion adjudicator status.  While at FSU, Mr. Panzarino was a member of the Big 8 Drumline in the Marching Chiefs, studied percussion, and played with a myriad of ensembles.  Currently, he performs in the percussion section with the Tallahassee Winds.

While maintaining a full schedule he has also served as an itinerant clinician, adjudicator, and instructor to various music programs around the states of Florida and Georgia.

During Mr. Panzarino’s tenure teaching privately and in public schools, he has premiered several full percussion ensemble pieces, wind/percussion pieces, and a wide array of other marching percussion and full band arrangements.

Carley Pelella joined the Leon High School marching band staff in 2022 as the Director of the Front Ensemble.  She received her bachelor’s degree in music education with a certificate of special music education from Florida State University and a master of arts in music education from Liberty University.   She served as the Director of the Music Department at the School of Arts and Sciences at the Centre and as a Music Specialist at Belvedere Elementary School in Falls Church Virginia.  She currently works as the launch and training manager for EmpowOR by CSST.

Ms. Liljestrand is a graduate of the Florida State University College of Music and flautist. She taught at Wakulla High School as the Assistant Band Director from 2022-2023, and student taught at Alonso High School in Hillsborough County in the fall of 2021. During her time at FSU, Ms. Liljestrand was a member of several ensembles, including the Symphonic Band and Wind Orchestra, as well as several organizations including NAFME, Sigma Alpha Iota, and Marching Chiefs.