Embedded Files
Director of Instrumental Music
Mr. Chad A. Smith
Since 2024, Chad A. Smith has served as the Director of Instrumental Music at Sequoyah High School in Canton, GA. Previously, Mr. Smith was the Associate Director of Bands at Campbell High School in Cobb County for seven years where he designed and co-taught the marching band, co-taught the full concert ensemble program, co-taught and oversaw the chamber music program, was the jazz band director, and taught AP Music Theory. Prior to moving to Georgia, Mr. Smith taught for six years in Chicago and ten years in the greater Los Angeles area. In Chicago, he served as the Director of Bands at Lincoln Park High School where he oversaw and taught the full band curriculum which included; four concert bands, a marching band, a jazz band, two pep bands, and served as the Performing Arts Department Chair. For the year prior to coming to Lincoln Park, Mr. Smith taught at The Frances Xavier Warde School and the Merit School of Music. Before his time in Chicago, Mr. Smith taught at the Chaminade College Preparatory High School in the greater Los Angeles area for ten years where he oversaw and taught all aspects of the band program.
An Iowa native, Mr. Smith is a 1999 graduate of the University of Iowa earning a Bachelor of Music. While attending Iowa, Mr. Smith studied trumpet with Prof. David Greenhoe and conducting with Dr. Myron Welch. Mr. Smith was a member of the Hawkeye Marching Band, holding the position of Drum Major for his final three years. Additionally, Mr. Smith earned his Masters of Music Education in 2013 from the VanderCook College of Music.
Aside from his teaching career, Mr. Smith is a former marching member and staff member for the 7-time World Champion Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps from Rosemont, Illinois. Mr. Smith worked for Bands of America, now Music for All, Inc., office in Schaumburg, IL prior to his move to the west coast. He has also spent time as a guest clinician and consultant in the greater Los Angeles area, Chicagoland schools, the VanderCook College of Music, and the greater metro Atlanta area.
Mr. Smith's professional associations include the Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA), National Association for Music Education (NAfME), and the Servant Leadership Association for Music (SLAM). Mr. Smith currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia.
Adjunct Staff
Paige Devincinzo, Colorguard
My name is Paige Devincino, and I am a new color guard instructor with eight years of spinning experience. I graduated from the University of Alabama in May 2025, where I performed with the prestigious Million Dollar Band and was a member of Alta Marea Winterguard. I bring a strong performance background, a passion for the activity, and a commitment to fostering student growth both on and off the field. I am excited for the opportunity to work with the Sequoyah Chiefs music program and look forward to a successful season ahead.
Ava Negahdar, Colorguard
Ava Negahdar was born and raised in Georgia, where she started her marching journey at Sprayberry High School. After graduation, she performed with the Boston Crusaders drum and bugle corps, earning a DCI silver medal and George Zengali award. Ava was also a WGI open class finalist with both Noir and Reverie independent winter guards. She also marched at Atlanta CV and Kennesaw State University.
Ava Negahdar started teaching at Sequoyah High School in the 2026 winter season and her prior teaching experience includes Sprayberry High School. At Sequoyah High School, Ava is excited to continue to bring excellence to the program!
Sophia DiLorenzo, Woodwinds
Hayden Laney, Brass
Hayden Laney is on staff with the marching brass section at Sequoyah High School, where he has worked for the past three years on the productions Medusa, Destination Everywhere, and Bored of Education. He is currently completing his Music Education degree at Reinhardt University, studying trumpet and horn. In addition to his work with Sequoyah, Hayden serves on the staff of the North Georgia Youth Wind Symphony and teaches private brass lessons through his studio.
Cohen Molina, Percussion
Cohen Molina is a part-time percussion instructor for Sequoyah High School. Alongside teaching, he studies as an undergraduate student at Kennesaw State University's Bobbie Bailey School of Music, Lipson Family Percussion Studio. With the intent to graduate with a bachelor's degree in music education, he has an affinity for mallet percussion techniques, as well as snare drum, timpani, and auxiliary percussion competency.
Cohen's experience includes studying percussion and piano since the age of 12 and studying percussion at the collegiate level at Kennesaw State University since 2023, as well as having been a member of the Atlanta Quest Independent Percussion group.
Joshua Leibowitz, Percussion
Hello! My name is Josh Leibowitz. I'm a current student at Kennesaw State University passionate about music. I’m one of the 2 percussion for Sequoyah’s marching band and steel band programs. Outside of teaching music, I also enjoy making my own as a part time creator and as a member of the indoor WGI group Atlanta Quest!
Colorguard Sponsor
Tiffany Weck, Colorguard
Tiffany Weck is proud to serve as the Color Guard and Winter Guard Sponsor for the Sequoyah Band program. Her involvement with the band began as a dedicated band parent, where she supported the program as both Booster Vice President and President during her daughter’s years as a flute player. Although her daughter graduated in 2025, Tiffany was fortunate to continue working with the band through her role as a Sequoyah teacher, where she teaches special education and science classes. “Being able to stay involved with the band and support the guard while continuing to work with Sequoyah students is truly meaningful to me, and I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to a program that has been such an important part of my family and school community.”
SIMF Booster Board
The Sequoyah Instrumental Music Foundation, Inc. (SIMF) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to financially supporting all members of the Band and Orchestra. The booster board works closely with Mr. Smith and adjunct staff to help provide a music program of outstanding opportunity for our students.
OUR MISSION
The SIMF Band Booster Board is dedicated to supporting the success of the music program through responsible leadership and service. Board members work to provide resources and opportunities that enhance students’ musical experiences while ensuring the smooth operation of events, fundraising, and program activities.
At the core of the Board’s responsibilities are transparency, integrity, and stewardship. All decisions are made openly and with clear communication to parents, students, and the community. Financial matters are handled with honesty and accountability, ensuring that every dollar is managed wisely and directly benefits the students. Above all, the Board is committed to creating a positive environment where students can thrive and grow through music.
2025-2026
Booster Board Members:
Martina Kennel and Erik Espelid, Co-Presidents
president@sequoyahmusic.org
Meg Davidson and Courtney Morgan, Co-Vice Presidents
fundraising@sequoyahmusic.org
Katie Gentilello and Dianne Sims, Co-Treasurers
treasurer@sequoyahmusic.org
Tricia St. Peter, Secretary
secretary@sequoyahmusic.org
Board members: Dianne Sims and Erik Espelid, with a parent volunteer
Board member and photographer extraordinaire: Meg Davidson
Board members: Katie Gentilello & Martina Kennel
Board member: Tricia St. Peter with her husband, Jeff
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