STAFF

Geoffery Barthle

Director of Bands

Mr. Barthle graduated from Stetson University with a Bachelor of Art in Music Education, where he developed a multifaceted career in performance and music education. A French horn player by primary study, he has built a diverse portfolio of musical experiences, performing internationally and with organizations such as the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and contributing to professional engagements at Walt Disney World.

In addition to his work as a performer, Mr. Barthle pursues conducting, serving as the inaugural conducting apprentice with the Waynesboro Symphony Orchestra, where he continued to refine his artistic leadership and rehearsal techniques. His experiences on the podium and in ensembles have shaped his commitment to fostering meaningful musical growth in others. 

Throughout his time at Stetson, Mr. Barthle has remained actively engaged in a wide range of musical settings, balancing performance opportunities with his passion for education. He is dedicated to creating impactful musical experiences that not only develop technical skill, but also inspire personal growth, collaboration, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts. 

Mr. Barthle loves spending his free time with his friends playing pickleball, disc golf, and hanging out by any body of water.

Zachary Larimer

Associate Director of Bands

Mr. Larimer earned a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from the University of South Florida, where he studied and performed under Dr. Matthew McCutchen and Dr. Marc Sosnowchik. During his time at USF, he performed notable works with the Wind Ensemble and Orchestra, including Pines of Rome, Sibelius’s Fifth Symphony, and alongside Carmen Russo, “Rolling Thunder.” Mr. Larimer was also part of the Herd of Thunder Marching Band under the direction of Dr. Trevor Butts. He served as one of the trombone section leaders during the 2022 and 2023 seasons before culminating in a memorable 2024 season as Drum Major.

He studied trombone with Professor Tom Brantley and Professor Ross Holcomb, and conducting with Dr. William Wiedrich.

Mr. Larimer worked as a tech for high school bands during his time at USF and served as a counselor for the Festival of Winds (2023–2024) and the Symphonic Celebration (2024). He is an active member of the Florida Music Educators Association, the Florida Bandmasters Association, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.

Mr. Larimer enjoys spending time with his loved ones.

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Paul Gavin

Percussion Arranger

Paul Gavin is a drummer, teacher, composer, and arranger in the Tampa Bay area. Paul graduated in 2015 from the University of South Florida with a degree in Jazz Studies, with coursework in classical percussion and music education. Since graduating he has made his entire living playing, teaching, and writing music. This season Paul enters his fifth year as the percussion arranger for the Raider Regiment.

Jason McLemore

Percussion Instructor

Jason McLemore is a 1997 graduate of Plant City High School and a veteran percussion tech with over 25 years of instruction experience. Schools where he’s instructed / consulted include: Escambia H.S. (Pensacola, FL while serving in the US Navy), Robinson, Alonso, and Blake H.S. (Tampa, FL) and of course right back here in Plant City. Along with his marching / concert percussion experience, he has over 20 years serving as CCM/worship drummer at Mission Hill Church in Temple Terrace and now First Baptist Church Plant City. For the last 19 years, Jason has served the community with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office as a detention deputy within the county jail system. In the little free time that he has, he enjoys spending it with his 3 kids and…still learning to play the drums.

Jake Hageman

Percussion Instructor

Jake is a 2023 graduate of Plant City High School and is currently attending HCC for a degree in business management. In 2023, Jake served as an accompanist for the middle school All-State Chorus. Jake has been building his experience in percussion for the past 8 years and freelances around the Tampa Bay area.

He maintains an active private studio for young percussionists in percussion and drum set.

Guard Instructor

Bonnie Vance

Bonnie Vance is a Plant City High School Colorguard alumni who is excited to return for her third year as a coach! She has been a performer for fifteen years, seven of which have involved colorguard. Bonnie spent two years as a proud member of the USF World Winterguard. She has been to WGI World Championships twice, both times placing in the top 25! She recently earned her Associate’s Degree in Psychology from Hillsborough Community College and plans to attend nursing school.

Megan Silvey

Guard Instructor

Megan is excited to join the Plant City High School colorguard staff with experience marching all 4 years in high school and three years with the University of South Florida's Herd of Thunder colorguard. During her time at USF she also spun 4 seasons with the USF Winterguard where she won an open class gold medal and spun 2 years in world class making semi-finals. Megan is also an alumnus of the Santa Clara Vanguard. She is thrilled to join the Plant City High School staff to share her knowledge and love of the art.

TBD

Visual Instructor

Russ McCollum

Brass Instructor

Russ McCollum is a native of northwestern Alabama and holds a degree in Instrumental Music from the University of North Alabama. He moved to the Tampa Bay area in 2011 and was a soloist with the Tampa Bay Thunder Drum and Bugle Corps in 2012 and 2013. He is currently Principal Trumpet for the Florida Wind Band. He has been a marching band instructor for East Lawrence, Russelville, Hatton, and Hueytown High School in Alabama; and Deane Bozeman and Plant City High School in Florida. He currently lives in Plant City with his wife, two daughters, and cat. His interests also include motorsports, astronomy, and singing.