Directors and Staff

Bill Cunningham is the Director of Bands and Visual Performing Arts Department Chair at Lake Buena Vista High School in Orlando, Florida. Since opening the school in 2021, the Lake Buena Vista Band has already received recognition for outstanding performances in all genres throughout Florida and the Southeastern US. The Viper Vanguard is a multiple time FMBC Regional Class Champion, and the concert and jazz ensembles have been recognized as Grand Champions at the Peach Bowl Festival in Atlanta, Georgia.

Previously, Mr. Cunningham served as the Director of Bands at Olympia High School in Orlando, Florida. His bands consistently earned superior ratings at Florida Bandmasters Association (FBA) assessment. The Titan Marching Band won numerous FMBC Class Championships and caption awards including Best Music, General Effect, Visual Performance and Best Percussion. Under his leadership, the jazz program at Olympia expanded from 8 students in his first year to over 60 students in 3 curricular ensembles, with Olympia Jazz 1 receiving multiple straight superior ratings at FBA State Festivals.

Mr. Cunningham was previously the Associate Director of Bands and Orchestras at Pike High School in Indianapolis, Indiana. His ensembles consistently earned superior ratings “with distinction” at Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) festival events, with the Pike High School Symphony Orchestra designated as an ISSMA Concert State Finalist. In 2007, Mr. Cunningham founded the Pike High School Westside Rhythm percussion ensemble, which won the Class A Indiana Percussion Association State Championship in 2009, and Open Class in 2010 and 2011.

Mr. Cunningham has served as an adjudicator in all genres of instrumental music including Concert Band, Orchestra, Marching Band, Jazz Band and instrumental Solo and Ensemble in both Indiana and Florida. He has served as a clinician for the Orange County Public Schools All-County Middle School Jazz Ensemble as well as OrlandoFest Music Festivals. 
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Mr. Cunningham earned his Bachelor’s in Music Education (Magna Cum Laude) at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. In his spare time, he enjoys golf, outdoor activities, writing and arranging music, spending time with family and his beagle Edgar!

Grady Emmert is the Associate Director of Bands and Orchestras at Lake Buena Vista High. Previously, Mr. Emmert served for 10 years as Director of Orchestras at Pike High School, seven years as Director of Orchestras for Warren Central High School, and five years at Lawrence Central High School, all in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Mr. Emmert has nearly four decades of experience directing bands and orchestras. While at Lawrence Central High School, his ensembles achieved Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) Gold Ratings at every level and genre, including two ISSMA State Orchestra Championships in 2003 and 2005, and leading the 2005 Indiana Music Education Association (IMEA) Convention’s featured orchestra. Additionally, as Assistant Marching Band Director, he helped lead the marching ensemble to three ISSMA State Championships and two Bands of America (BOA) Championships.

Mr. Emmert’s achievements, contributions, and recognitions in the field of music and education include guest conductor with the Indianapolis Symphonic Band, Philharmonic Orchestra of Indianapolis, and Woomblies Rock Orchestra. He was recognized by the Indiana State House of Representatives with an Outstanding Educator Award.

Mr. Emmert has served as ISSMA Board member and received the Distinguished Service Award. He has performed with the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps as section leader, received Best Musician, Best Marcher, and was a DCI Finals Solo Bronze Medalist.

Mr. Emmert earned his Master of Arts degree in Curriculum/Instruction and Orchestral Conducting from the University of Indianapolis, and his Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from Indiana State University. When not conducting and teaching, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Allison, and their family – often at Disney.

Mr. Henry Santos is an Orlando native well-versed in the percussive arts. After graduating from University High School, he has performed with various groups such as Ancient City Ensemble, STRYKE Percussion and the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps. Mr. Santos’ teaching experience includes Edgewater High School, University High School and various high schools in Florida as a clinician. He is also part of the instructional staff for Silent Command, which specializes in leadership within the marching arts.

Dejor Jones is a seasoned Color Guard Director renowned for her exceptional leadership and artistic vision. She began at Oak Ridge High School in 2015 and was Color Guard Director at Lake Minneola High School from 2017 to 2022. While at Lake Minneola, her group was awarded three 3^rd place finishes and won FFCC (Winter Guard) in 2022. Ms. Jones has also worked with guard programs at Apopka, Tavares, Sea Breeze, and Deltona high schools.

Additionally, Ms. Jones has served in the University of Central Florida Pegasus World Guard as team manager, choreographer, and staff. She is an advisory member of the Florida Federation of Colorguards Circuit (FFCC). When not participating in color guard, Ms. Jones is a college student studying medicine, and dedicated Green Bay Packers fan.

Alexia Russell joined the Color Guard staff at Lake Buena Vista High School in 2022, bringing experience from her time as an active member of the Lake Minneola High School Color Guard from 2019 to 2022. She was awarded as a FFCC Featured Performer in 2022. During this period, she was under the guidance of Dejor Jones, who played a significant role in her development. After graduating, she further her skills as a member of the Pegasus World team in 2023.

When not instructing, Ms. Alexia enjoys dancing and writing choreography, showcasing her passion for the art form. She also focuses on her academics at University of Central Florida, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

Austin Bowles is a college student at the University of Central Florida, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He began his color guard journey in 2021 at Lake Minneola High School under the guidance of Dejor Jones. Despite having limited experience at the start, he quickly developed a passion for the activity. After graduating in 2022, he became a member of the Pegasus World team in 2023. Since 2022, he has played an active role in the Color Guard staff at Lake Buena Vista High School. In his free time, Mr. Austin enjoys dancing and staying active.