Team

Cozbia k. smith iii

Band Director

Email: smithc6@scsk12.org

Cozbia K. Smith III is a native of Detroit, Michigan graduating from Cass Technical High School, where he was first introduced to the world of percussion. He went on to graduate from Tennessee State University with a B.S. in Music Education and a M. Ed in Educational Administration. While matriculating through Tennessee State he met professor Johnny Lee Lane who was giving a clinic at the university. In his 10+ years of classroom experience he has helped over 100 students earn over 500 full tuition scholarships for college, many of which are now college graduates.

Mr. Smith has enjoyed success as a high school band director both in Detroit, MI. and Memphis, TN. winning high school competitions at the local and regional levels. His percussion sections have been known for their uniformity, flare, and createvityoften sweeping the judges and audiences alike off their feet. In 2006 Mr. Smith’s band was featured in Detroit’s Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade, which is televised. He has received superior ratings at district festival for concert bands and his students earned superior ratings at the district and state levels. Mr. Smith is currently pursuing a doctoral degree from the University of Mississippi, and is now the band director at White Station High School. He plans to continue to use the “Groove Series” of equipment which was designed and endorsed by Professor Lane. “In order to keep the groove alive, you have to use the best equipment,” quote from Mr. Smith.

Mr. Smith enjoys evolving drummers into percussionists. Teaching and presenting tomorrows’ leaders to the world of percussion is a lifestyle that he enjoys, embraces and plans to do for as long as he is blessed to do so. The entire world is only a percussion instrument away!

Antwan Gardner

Assistant Band Director

Email: gardnera2@scsk12.org

A Detroit native and graduate of Cass Technical High School, Antwan Gardner experienced his musical beginnings with piano, trombone, and bassoon. Norfolk State University, in Norfolk VA served as the next step in Mr. Gardner’s musical and leadership growth. Before graduating with a B.S. in Music Education, with an emphasis in bassoon, he experienced various opportunities in music growth. While ensembles like concert choir, percussion ensemble and orchestral literature honed his musical skill, the job of being the university band’s Head Drum Major tuned his skill for teaching.

Mr. Gardner began his educational career in rural Virginia where he taught high school band, choir and guitar at Washington and Lee High School. He moved on to teach band and music technology at Hillcrest High School in the south suburbs of Chicago, IL. Now in Memphis, TN., Mr. Gardner teaches piano and guitar to K-5th grade students at Belle Forest Community School. “It is an honor to be selected to serve.” The addition of Mr. Gardner to White Station’s band staff marks the beginning of a new level of professional growth.

Sydney Strite

Majorette and Flag Sponsor

Email: stritess@scsk12.org

Mrs. Srite is an English I teacher here at White Station High School, and she is excited to be serving as the auxiliary’s sponsor. Mrs. Srite received her Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Memphis in 2015, and her Master of Arts in Education from Union University in 2026. She is from Memphis, Tennessee