Greg Priest

Greg Priest, born and raised in Aiken, SC, is in his thirteenth year of teaching. This is his fifth year at Stratford High School; he taught for seven years at Aiken High School before coming to Stratford High School. Mr. Priest attended the University of South Carolina where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Music Education and Saxophone Performance Certificate in 2013. He is a certified AP Music Theory teacher and a National Board Certified Teacher.  In 2016, Mr. Priest was recognized as a Golden Apple Award winner.  He graduated with a master’s degree in music education from Central Washington University through American Band College in 2021.

In his spare time, Mr. Priest enjoys playing golf, hanging out with his dog Wallace, and spending time with his wife Kaitlyn Priest.  

BLAKE FOWLER

Blake Fowler is an experienced educator, conductor, and has served several communities across South Carolina. Blake graduated from the University of South Carolina, receiving a Masters degree in wind conducting and was a staff member for the Carolina Band. In this role, he has guest-conducted all university ensembles, assisted in undergraduate conducting courses and contributed as a guest arranger and drill writer for the Carolina Band. In 2024, Blake was honored as a Reynolds Conducting Institute Fellow at the Midwest International Band Clinic in Chicago, IL. 

Prior to his graduate studies, Blake was the Director of Bands at Chapin High School, overseeing the Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Percussion Ensemble, and Jazz Band, as well as directing the award-winning "Pride of the Midlands" Marching Band. Before his tenure at Chapin, he served as associate band director at North Augusta High School. Under his leadership, the Chapin High School Symphonic Band was invited to perform at the 2022 South Carolina Music Educators Association Conference and the Music for All Southeastern Regional Concert Festival as a featured ensemble. His ensembles consistently earned Superior ratings at festivals and were recognized for their engaging and innovative programming. In 2022, the “Pride of the Midlands” Marching Band was crowned the 4A SCBDA Lower State Champion, and in 2021, the CHS Symphonic Band premiered Dream by composer Kyle W. Brown. 

Dedicated to fostering student leadership, Blake emphasizes a servant-based leadership model, empowering young musicians to take ownership of their ensembles and musical growth. A strong advocate for lifelong learning, he actively participates in conducting and music symposia nationwide. Blake holds a Bachelor of Music Education with a Performance Certificate from the University of South Carolina. He is an active performer, serving as a percussionist and former board member of the Palmetto Concert Band, and has guest-conducted the Carolina Wind Symphony. Additionally, he maintains an active schedule as a clinician across the Southeast. His professional affiliations include the South Carolina Music Educators Association (SCMEA), South Carolina Band Directors Association (SCBDA), and the National Band Association. Beyond his musical pursuits, Blake enjoys cooking, video games, reading, and spending time with his husband, Aaron, and their dog, Bela “Bark”tok.

Charles Fletcher

Charles Fletcher is Co-Director of Bands at Stratford High School and is currently in his fifth year of teaching. A proud alumnus of Stratford, Mr. Fletcher was born in Cincinnati, Ohio and raised in Goose Creek, South Carolina.

Before returning to his alma mater, Mr. Fletcher served as Director of Bands at Sedgefield Middle School, where he led the program through a period of significant growth. During his four-year tenure, the band more than doubled in size—from 70 to 140 students. He founded both the Sedgefield Symphonic Band and the Sedgefield Jazz Ensemble, guiding them to success at numerous adjudicated events. Under his leadership, the program earned its first “Superior with Distinction” rating at the South Carolina Concert Performance Assessment in many years, which led to its inaugural performance at the SCBDA State Concert Festival. In recognition of his impact, Mr. Fletcher was named Sedgefield Middle School’s 2025 Teacher of the Year.

Mr. Fletcher holds a Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Music Education from the University of South Carolina, where he was an active member of several ensembles, including the “Mighty Sound of the Southeast” Marching Band. In addition to his work at Sedgefield, he served as Assistant Director of the Goose Creek High School “Spirit of Gold” Marching Band.

Outside the classroom, Mr. Fletcher is an active performer with the Charleston Wind Symphony. His professional affiliations include the National Association for Music Education, the South Carolina Music Educators Association, the South Carolina Band Directors Association, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.