Staff | The University of Tennessee Bands

Ashley Waller

Bands Business Manager

E-Mail: ewaller@utk.edu
Phone: 865-974-7520

Ashley Sadler returns to UT after 19 years of teaching band at Halls Middle and High Schools. Ashley is a two-time graduate of UT in Music Education and a Master of Music Education. She is a former member of the POTSB Alumni Council and the President Elect of the East TN Band and Orchestra Association.

Eli Garcia

UT Drumline Coordinator

E-Mail: egarci11@vols.utk.edu
Phone: 865-974-5031

Eli Garcia is an active percussion performer, educator, and arranger in Knoxville, Tennessee. He recently graduated from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville with his Master’s of Music in Percussion Performance under Dr. Andy Bliss. A native of El Paso, Texas he received his Bachelor’s in Music Education at The University of Texas at El Paso where he performed with the Wind Symphony, Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble, and Steel Band under the Direction of Dr. Andrew P. Smith.

Eli has experience in DCI from several world class organizations. He was a member of the Academy Drum and Bugle Corps and has taught at Genesis from 2021-2022 and is currently at Crossmen. He has also taught drumlines for many high school groups in El Paso, Texas, The University of Texas at El Paso, and most recently The Pride of The Southland Marching Band. Locally, he has assisted with the Farragut HS, Seymour HS, and Hardin Valley Academy programs. Eli now serves as the Drumline Coordinator for The Pride and continues to teach and perform in the Knoxville area.

Lindsey Cupp Maples

UT Majorette Coordinator

E-Mail: lindsey.cupp@gmail.com
Phone: 865-974-5031

Lindsey Cupp Maples joined the Pride of the Southland staff in 2014 as Majorette Coordinator. She is a graduate from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Family Studies along with a minor in Communication Studies. In addition, she holds a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Lincoln Memorial University.

Lindsey was a member of the Pride from 2004-2008, serving as Feature Twirler from 2004-2005 and Head Majorette from 2006-2008. Throughout Lindsey’s twirling career, she has held numerous competitive twirling titles. More recently, she has been an instructor at several high schools and choreographed routines for both majorette lines and individual twirlers.

Lindsey is currently a school teacher in Knox County and has a passion for children. Lindsey, her two children, and her husband Derek, live in Knoxville.

CJ McCrory

UT Color Guard Coordinator

E-Mail: utkcolorguard@gmail.com
Phone: 865-974-5031

CJ McCrory is a clinician, consultant, educator, and designer for the Marching Arts activity residing in Knoxville, TN. Locally, he is the Director of Color Guards for Hardin Valley Academy and Hardin Valley Middle School programs, as well as serving as the A and Open class representative for the East Tennessee Performing Arts Association. CJ is also currently involved with multiple groups across the Nation in these various roles.

CJ was a former member of the “Pride of the Southland” Marching Band from 2009 to 2011 and completed his Bachelor’s Degree studies in French Language & Literature with a minor in Music from Middle Tennessee State University in 2014. His past Color Guard marching experiences have included The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps, Pride of Cincinnati (IW), and Eklipse Winterguard (IW). In his teaching experience, CJ has been privileged with the opportunity to work with Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps, The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps, Lexis Winterguard (IW), Carmel HS (SW), and Avon HS (SW).

Katie Perry

UT Colorguard Coordinator

Katie Perry is thrilled to join the Pride of the Southland and bring her expertise to the Color guard program. Katie has an extensive background in dance, with 13 years of experience prior to transitioning fully into the color guard activity. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communications from the University of South Carolina, where she performed with the Carolina Band Color guard. Since beginning her teaching journey in 2017, Katie has remained actively involved in the activity.

Katie’s performance experience includes 11 seasons with her high school color guard, two seasons with the Carolina Band, three seasons with Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps, two seasons with Etude Winter Guard (IW), and five seasons with Paramount Winter Guard (IW).

Katie is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Management and Human Resources at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and works with the UTK College of Nursing. She also serves on staff with the Hardin Valley Academy Guard programs in the local community.