Woodwind Teachers
Ben Davis-Sax/ Clarinet
Mr. Davis is currently a GSU Music student and a successful jazz performer in Atlanta. He was referred to our School of Music by Atlanta great, Tony Carere. Mr. Davis also teaches for Mr. Carere at his music store, Carere Music. Mr. Davis is a young, enthusiastic Christian whose students realize that God and music are “cool”. Mr. Davis has been a free-lance musician in Atlanta since 1997. His performance credits are extensive and include premier performances of original jazz in New York City, Baltimore, and Chattanooga.
Jay Webler- Clarinet
Mr. Webler came to our program on the recommendation of a parent. He was teaching one of our students at a local music studio and the parent told him he should be involved in the music department at GAC. After calling me and having an over-the-phone interview, I was so excited to have Mr. Webler join our staff. Mr. Webler’s musical training came through the military. 20 years in the Navy! Now that makes a disciplined musician! If anyone has ever heard a military band performance, they know the caliber of musicianship and professionalism. Currently, Mr. Webler is teaching at the Lovett School , Carere Music, and at a few local churches. We are lucky to have Mr. Webler as his time is limited and his career demanding.
Kathy Farmer – Flute
Kathy Farmer is the principal flutist of the Dekalb Symphony and piccoloist of the Georgia Philharmonic. She teaches flute at Georgia Perimeter College and maintains a home flute studio. She conducts the Flute Choir of Atlanta and is conductor and founder of the Atlanta Flute Ensemble. In addition she is a member of Perimeter Flutes, Papageno Flute Quartet, Vox Flutes, and Windstrum, a flute and guitar duo. Mrs. Farmer is the Immediate Past President of the Atlanta Flute Club. She is Flute Orchestra Coordinator for the National Flute Association. For 16 years she has been selected by taped audition to be a member of the NFA Professional Flute Choir. She is also a member of the National Flute Choir, which records and performs in Charlotte NC.
Nancy Wilson – Flute
Mrs. Wilson is a native of Atlanta and received her undergraduate degree from Georgia State University. She has studied flute with Warren Little, Marion Valasek and Kareen Brett and continues her studies with Christina Smith, and Carl Hall. Since 1971, she has maintained an active private studio and was formally a middle school band director. Mrs. Wilson has performed with the Emory University Wind Ensemble, the Atlanta Community Orchestra, Georgia Perimeter College Wind Ensemble and the Dekalb College Wind Ensemble. Currently she performs with the Peachtree Symphonic Winds, the Flute Choir of Atlanta , and the Atlanta Flute Ensemble and is assistant conductor of The Atlanta Music Academy Flute Choir. She serves as president of the Flute Choir of Atlanta and Vice president of the Atlanta Flute Club.
Wesley York-Double Reeds-
Mr. York is a Georgia native, growing up in Augusta and attending the University of Georgia in Athens. He holds a bachelors degree in Music Education with a certificate in bassoon performance. While studying at UGA, he participated in several ensembles including the Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, Bassoon Choir, Trombone Choir, and the Redcoat Marching Band. Mr. York performed as the Convention Recitalist for the 2001 Georgia Music Teachers Association convention. He played bassoon in the Georgia All-State Band all four years of high school as well as the Governor’s Honors Program, and played trombone in the All-State Jazz Band. Before coming to GACS, he served as the band director at Burke County Middle School and the assistant band director at Campbell Middle and High Schools in Cobb County. His concert, marching, and jazz bands have received consistent Superior and Excellent ratings at GMEA and GISA festivals. Mr. York currently performs with the Cobb Wind Symphony and A’Volonte Winds, and frequently serves as a clinician for school band programs in the Atlanta area. He and his wife Blakely live in Tucker with their dog Haley.
