The director
Justin Cooper is in his sixth year of teaching and is serving his third
year as a teacher at Graham Local Schools as the Director of the Middle School
and High School bands. He directs the Dancin' Band from Falconland, Pep Band,
Jazz Band and all of the concert bands in the Middle School and High School.
Mr. Cooper previously served as Director of Bands at Paint Valley High School in
Bainbridge, Ohio from 2010 to 2013. A native of Bucyrus, Ohio, Mr. Cooper received
his bachelors degree from Ohio University in Music Education.
A 2005 graduate of Bucyrus High School, Mr. Cooper was active in all of the
bands as a Trombone player. At Ohio University, Mr. Cooper was a five year
member of the Ohio University Marching 110 and performed on a national stage
in the 2005 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC; the 2010 Tournament of
Roses Parade in Pasadena, California; and several NFL halftime performances.
He served as Trombone Music Section leader in 2009-10. At Ohio University,
Mr. Cooper was also a member of the Trombone Choir, Symphonic Band, Wind
Ensemble and Orchestra.
Mr. Cooper is a member of the Ohio Music Educator's National Conference and is
an active arranger of band and chamber music.
year as a teacher at Graham Local Schools as the Director of the Middle School
and High School bands. He directs the Dancin' Band from Falconland, Pep Band,
Jazz Band and all of the concert bands in the Middle School and High School.
Mr. Cooper previously served as Director of Bands at Paint Valley High School in
Bainbridge, Ohio from 2010 to 2013. A native of Bucyrus, Ohio, Mr. Cooper received
his bachelors degree from Ohio University in Music Education.
A 2005 graduate of Bucyrus High School, Mr. Cooper was active in all of the
bands as a Trombone player. At Ohio University, Mr. Cooper was a five year
member of the Ohio University Marching 110 and performed on a national stage
in the 2005 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC; the 2010 Tournament of
Roses Parade in Pasadena, California; and several NFL halftime performances.
He served as Trombone Music Section leader in 2009-10. At Ohio University,
Mr. Cooper was also a member of the Trombone Choir, Symphonic Band, Wind
Ensemble and Orchestra.
Mr. Cooper is a member of the Ohio Music Educator's National Conference and is
an active arranger of band and chamber music.
Additional Staff
BEN PRATER - ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Mr. Ben Prater is in his first year as the Assistant Band Director of the Dancin' Band. He is a 2007 graduate of Bexley High School and a 2012 Graduate of Ohio University. Mr. Prater also arranges many of the songs for the Dancin' Band and is also a private lesson instructor in the Columbus area. |
PAUL BAIR - PERCUSSION
Mr. Paul Bair is serving his 11th year as Percussion Advisor for the Graham Band. He is a 1987 alumni and was percussion section leader for the Dancin’ Falcons. Throughout the 34 years he has devoted to music, he has had the opportunity to play in a variety of venues from local parties, churches and clubs. Paul attended the Armed Forces School of Music and served as percussion section leader with the United States Marine Corps band. He has had the opportunity to perform for many celebrities and dignitaries, including former president Ronald Reagan at his 80th birthday party. Paul has five children. They are Nic, a 2004 alumni, Jordan, Bethaney, a 2008 alumni, Breanne, a 2015 alumni and Mariah. Paul is honored to be part of such a great organization and is proud of all the hard work and dedication that the percussion section, the entire band and the staff has devoted to making our band the best in the land. ASHLI MCALEXANDER - BAND AIDE
Ashli is in her second year as the Band Aide for the Graham High School Dancin' Band. She is a 1999 graduate of Graham High School and a GHS Band alum. Ashli has a husband, Jim, son Lane (Junior Mellophone and French Horn section leader) and two daughters, Madison and Aubrey. |
SHANE FAGAN - ANNOUNCER/VOLUNTEER VISUAL CONSULTANT
Shane is in his third year as The Voice of the Dancin' Band from Falconland. Shane is a 1994 alum of Graham High School and The Dancin' Band. Shane and his wife Kristy have two children who are in the band this year. Their daughter, Kalyn is a senior trombone section leader and is on the leadership team as the Dance Commander. Their son Dillon is a Freshman Tuba player. Besides being The Voice, Shane helps with consulting on visual aspects of the shows and helps the dance committee. |