Tyler Reese – Tuscola High School Director of Bands
Mr. Tyler Reese is from Cornelius, NC, a small town just outside of Charlotte. He earned his Bachelors of Music Education and Bachelors of Music Performance from Mars Hill University in 2023. While at MHU, he served as Woodwind Captain and Instrument Warden of the Mountain Lion Marching Band and performed in numerous ensembles. His mentors through his career include Ruth Peterson, Robert Carrington, Michael Robinson, Professor Misty Rondeau, Dr. Alan Theisen, Dr. Hunter Kopczynski, and Dr. JT Womack.
Mr. Reese has taught in numerous high school marching/concert programs across WNC including North Buncombe HS, Enka HS, Pisgah HS, and Owen HS. He comes to Tuscola HS after working at Mountain Heritage High School in Burnsville, NC. During his time at Mountain Heritage, he brought the concert band to achieve their first superior rating at the WNC Music Performance Adjudication Festival since 2019.
Reese holds memberships in several professional organizations including the National Association for Music Educators, North Carolina Music Educators Association, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity.
Mr. Reese lives in Waynesville with his beagle, Checkers.
Reese says, “These kids are something special. Thank you to everyone for your support. No place I’d rather be!”
Email Mr. Reese: treese@haywood.k12.nc.us
Sam Bogan – Waynesville Middle School Director of Bands
Mr. Samuel F. Bogan II is from Johnston County, NC, just East of Raleigh. He earned his Music Education degree from Western Carolina University in 2008. While at WCU, he was a soloist and brass coordinator in the Pride of the Mountains Marching Band and performed in numerous ensembles. Mr. Bogan earned the Maxie Beaver Student Teacher of the Year Award in 2008.
Mr. Bogan has been teaching in North Carolina for the last fifteen years. He started in 2008 at Northwest Cabarrus High School where he taught until 2016, then Hickory Ridge Middle School, and now Waynesville Middle School where he’s been for the last five years. His High School students earned many honors. For example, Northwest’s marching band earned numerous Grand Champion and Class Awards and made finals at BOA Super Regionals.
Mr. Bogan’s concert bands consistently receive Superior honors in Grades II – VI. Waynesville Middle School consistently places students in the All-District, West Region Jazz, All-State Jazz, and All State Honor bands. He earned the West Region Jazz Directors Award of Excellence for 2019.
He is also a Specialist in the 208th Army Reserve Band based in Concord, NC. And he actively performs as a vocalist and trumpet player in the 208th Army Jazz Messengers and the Armored Diesel Rock Band.
Mr. Bogan lives in Clyde, NC with his wife Elena, their three kids Sammie, Rose and Beatrice, their big dog Riker Tiberious, and a bunny named Rex.
Mr. Bogan’s favorite thing about teaching middle school band is getting to talk to students all day about music.
Email Mr. Bogan: sbogan@haywood.k12.nc.us
Michael Hernandez – Assistant Director
Mr. Michael Hernandez is a Mooresville, North Carolina native and proud graduate of Mooresville High School, where he also spent a summer teaching. He went on to earn his degree in Secondary Science Education from Western Carolina University in 2023, and currently teaches science at Tuscola High School. He also taught for one indoor percussion season at Smoky Mountain High School.
His marching arts journey has taken him across the Carolinas, performing with Fusion Percussion, Civitas Independent, and Palmetto Indoor Theatre. He also marched with the Pride of the Mountains Marching Band, where he performed on vibraphone and marimba. Along the way, he has earned numerous gold medals and multiple CWEA competition titles.
As he tells his students, “Do your best, even when things look rough. The effort you put in today shapes who you become tomorrow.” And, true to his science-teacher roots, he’ll also remind you: “Drink more water.”
Outside of the classroom and the arena, Mr. Hernandez lives in Clyde, NC with his wife and their three cats, Leo, Luxe, and Elle.
Email Mr. Hernandez: mhernandez@haywood.k12.us
Caileigh Coval – Colorguard Director
Kaleb Enright – Assistant Colorguard Instructor
Nehemiah Williams – Assistant Colorguard Instructor
Hello, my name is Nehemiah Williams, I’m currently a student at Western Carolina University where I’m marching my third season in the Pride of The Mountains.
Majoring in Sociology with a minor in psychology, next fall after graduation I plan on pursuing a career as a paraprofessional. At Tuscola I’m excited to see what this season has to offer!
Checkers – Director of Esprit de Corps
Checkers
Tyler Reese’s super-friendly pooch who is sweet on everybody!
Checkers is always at the ready.