Matthew Everhart - Director of Bands
Matthew Everhart serves as the director of bands at Centennial High School and oversees all aspects of the band program. Prior to his tenure at Centennial, Mr. Everhart spent two years as the Associate Director of Bands at Archer High School in Lawrenceville, Ga where he led the Pride of Archer Marching Band to several awards and honors. Additionally, he spent four years as the Director of Bands at Elbert County Comprehensive High School in Elberton, Ga. Under his leadership, the bands at Elbert County received consistent superior ratings and several best in class and division honors. Mr. Everhart began his career teaching two years at Elbert County Middle School. Bands under his direction consistently receive superior ratings and best in class honors. In addition to his duties with the band, he teaches sections of Music Technology.
Mr. Everhart graduated Magna cum Laude from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education in 2011 where he studied saxophone under Dr. Kenneth Fischer. He graduated with a Masters of Music Education with Distinction in 2015 from the University of Georgia.
Mr. Everhart is an active clinician and adjudicator in the state of Georgia. His professional affiliations include GMEA, NAfME, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and Kappa Kappa Psi
Mr. Everhart graduated Magna cum Laude from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education in 2011 where he studied saxophone under Dr. Kenneth Fischer. He graduated with a Masters of Music Education with Distinction in 2015 from the University of Georgia.
Mr. Everhart is an active clinician and adjudicator in the state of Georgia. His professional affiliations include GMEA, NAfME, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and Kappa Kappa Psi
Jared Cook - Assistant Director of Bands
Mr. Jared Cook is from Johns Creek, Georgia and is a Chattahoochee High School alumnus. Mr.
Cook earned his bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Kennesaw State University where
he was an active performer in the percussion studio, wind ensemble, symphony orchestra,
Georgia Brass Band, and the Elm Street Cultural Arts Theatre. In addition to his studies, he
taught on staff with schools around the North Atlanta area such as Wheeler High School and
Woodstock High School during their marching band seasons. From 2021 to 2023, Mr. Cook
served as the Assistant Director of Bands at Evans High School near Augusta, Georgia where he
also taught guitar classes and continued to find opportunities to perform through the Savannah
River Winds. As of moving back into the metro-Atlantic community, he is a member of Tara
Winds, a wind ensemble that performs for American music conferences and international music
festivals. Mr. Cook is a member of the Georgia Music Educators Association and the National
Association for Music Education. When he is at home in Johns Creek, Mr. Cook is typically rock
climbing, mountain biking, cooking, playing video games, and spending time with his two cats,
Lena and Yoko.
Cook earned his bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Kennesaw State University where
he was an active performer in the percussion studio, wind ensemble, symphony orchestra,
Georgia Brass Band, and the Elm Street Cultural Arts Theatre. In addition to his studies, he
taught on staff with schools around the North Atlanta area such as Wheeler High School and
Woodstock High School during their marching band seasons. From 2021 to 2023, Mr. Cook
served as the Assistant Director of Bands at Evans High School near Augusta, Georgia where he
also taught guitar classes and continued to find opportunities to perform through the Savannah
River Winds. As of moving back into the metro-Atlantic community, he is a member of Tara
Winds, a wind ensemble that performs for American music conferences and international music
festivals. Mr. Cook is a member of the Georgia Music Educators Association and the National
Association for Music Education. When he is at home in Johns Creek, Mr. Cook is typically rock
climbing, mountain biking, cooking, playing video games, and spending time with his two cats,
Lena and Yoko.
Robert Dickens - Assistant Director of Bands
Robert Dickens Jr. is a native of Dothan, AL and serves as Assistant Director of Bands at Centennial. He received his Bachelors of Music Industry from Troy University. During his tenure there he performed with several collegiate ensembles as well as World Class DCI Finalist GLASSMEN Drum + Bugle Corps.
In addition to his role with the Knights Band, Robert serves as Battery Coordinator for Southwind Drum + Bugle Corps. He is an Innovative Percussion Artist + endorses their products exclusively
In addition to his role with the Knights Band, Robert serves as Battery Coordinator for Southwind Drum + Bugle Corps. He is an Innovative Percussion Artist + endorses their products exclusively