Jeffrey L. Willis has been a music educator since 2004. Mr. Willis is currently the Associate Director
of Bands at Jackson County Comprehensive High School in Jefferson, GA.
Mr. Willis earned a Master of Music in Percussion Performance from Texas Christian University in 2006,
where he studied with Dr. Brian West, Dr. Richard Gipson, Paul Rennick, and Joey Carter. Mr. Willis’
tenure at TCU as a Graduate Teaching Assistant involved instruction with the Horned-Frog Marching
Band, assistance with the percussion studio, as well as co-directing the Steel Drum Ensemble. In
2004, Mr. Willis received his Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Central Florida
in Orlando, where he studied with Jeff Moore, Clif Walker, and James Yakas.
From 2009 until 2013, Mr. Willis served as the Associate Director of Bands at Winter Park High School
in Orlando, FL. During his tenure at Winter Park, the band received consistent superior ratings in
Florida Bandmasters Association District concert, jazz, and marching festivals. In addition, the
band received the honor of being the Florida Marching Band Coalition 5A State Marching Band Champion
in 2009. While at Winter Park High School, Mr. Willis led the Jazz Ensemble to three consecutive
Straight Superior Ratings at the Florida Bandmasters Association State Jazz Festival. Additionally,
the Winter Park Band program has the honor of having many students involved in All-State Band and
Orchestras as well as the Orange County Honor Bands. Finally, the Winter Park Band was a recent
participant in the Music for All National Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis, IN as well as a
Finalist at the Bands of America Super Regional in Atlanta, GA.
In 2007, Mr. Willis moved back to Orlando, FL to become the Associate Director of Bands at Cypress
Creek High School. While at Cypress Creek, the band became the 2007 Florida Marching Band Coalition
Class 4A State Marching Band Champion. The group also won two consecutive High Percussion titles
at the State Championship event. A highlight of Mr. Willis’ tenure at Cypress Creek High School
was conducting the Cypress Creek Wind Ensemble at the 2009 National Concert Band Festival at
Carnegie Hall in New York, NY.
