DIRECTOR OF BANDS

MARCUS D. CHESTER - DIRECTOR OF BANDS

Mr. Marcus Dwayne Thomas Chester was born in Germany to a military family on November 30th, 1980. Traveling was part of the family description until his father retired and settled in Augusta, GA. Mr. Chester was a 1998 graduate of George P. Butler High School. Upon graduation, Mr. Chester attended Morris Brown College for one year, and transferred to Fort Valley State University in 1999. While at Fort Valley State University, Mr. Chester served as first chair trombone in the concert and jazz bands. He also served as section leader, drum major, and student director in the FVSU Blue Machine Marching Band. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in music in May of 2006. Mr. Chester returned home to Augusta to serve as director of bands at Lucy C. Laney (2007-2009), and transferred to assume the director of bands position at the Academy of Richmond County (2009 – Present). Mr. Chester received his Masters of Music Education from the University of Georgia in the summer of 2012. He is married and expecting his first child soon. Mr. Chester enjoys composing music, arranging music, music performance, and spending time with friends and family. Mr. Chester holds membership in GAE and Georgia Music Educator Association (GMEA). Mr. Chester is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, and charter member of the Lambda Zeta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity at FVSU. Mr. Chester was the 2013 All-County middle school clinician for Richmond County schools. He is also a 2012-2013 Golden Apple Award recipient.