Amanda Irby, Ensemble Director
Amanda Irby is an accomplished music educator and a passionate advocate for music literacy in America. With a strong background in education and performance, she holds various academic degrees, including a Specialist in Music Education from Piedmont University, a Bachelor's in Music Education from Valdosta State University, and a Master's in Music Education from the University of Georgia. Additionally, she has a rich history of musical involvement, being an alumna of the Interlochen Arts Program and the Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony.
Mrs. Irby currently serves as the Director of Bands at Burney Harris Lyons Middle School in Clarke County, Georgia. Her extensive teaching career spans several counties, including Douglas, Gwinnett, McDuffie, and Forsyth. Besides her role at the middle school, Amanda is also an adjunct music instructor at Truett-McConnell University, where she contributes her expertise in flute sectionals and lessons and band clinics throughout the North Georgia area. Her professional affiliations include well-known organizations such as the Georgia Music Educators Association, the National Band Association, the Professional Association for Georgia Educators, the National Association for Music Educators, and Women Band Directors International.
As the co-founder of North Georgia Winds, Amanda Irby plays a pivotal role as the principal flutist and personnel manager. Along with her husband, Richard, she envisioned creating this ensemble as a space for learning, fostering relationships, and, most importantly, making music. Their shared vision emphasizes not just musical excellence but the power of music to connect people and build community. The North Georgia Winds serves as an outlet for musicians to grow, collaborate, and engage with one another in a supportive, creative environment.
In addition to her musical endeavors, Amanda has been heavily involved in pageantry, holding seven national titles and serving as the inaugural American Beauties Elite Educator. With her diverse experience in both the performing arts and education, she is also a sought-after judge for national and international pageants. Her personal platform of promoting "Music Literacy in America" is a core passion.
When she’s not busy with music or pageantry, Amanda enjoys spending quality time with her husband, Richard, and their two dogs, Belle and Lily.
Jonathan Bagley, Associate Director
Jonathan Bagley is in his 20th year as an educator and is in his fifth year as the band director at East Jackson High School. Mr. Bagley came to East Jackson after spending the first 15 years of his career in South Georgia teaching all levels of music. He holds a Master’s in Music Education from the University of Nebraska at Kearney and a Bachelor’s in Music Education from the University of Georgia.
As an educator, Mr. Bagley has spent his entire career working to build successful programs. Mr. Bagley’s students have been selected to perform in All-State Bands and Orchestras, GHP, various drum corps and college bands, as well as numerous district and regional honor bands and clinics. Mr. Bagley’s ensembles have consistently earned superior ratings in both concert and marching performances. This year, Mr. Bagley is serving as an associate conductor for the North Georgia Youth Winds, a youth ensemble consisting of high school students from the Northeast Georgia region.
As a trumpet player, Mr. Bagley has an extensive background. In high school, Mr. Bagley was a four-time Georgia All-State member, being named principal trumpet in the All-State orchestra as a ninth grader. He also was a participant in the 1998 Governor’s Honors Program and the 1999 John Philip Sousa National Honor Band. In college, Mr. Bagley performed in the top wind ensembles at the University of South Florida, Jacksonville State University, and the University of Georgia. During this time, Mr. Bagley began performing with the Tara Winds community band and in the pit orchestras for various local musical productions. Mr. Bagley has performed all around the US, as well as in concert tours of England and Italy. Mr. Bagley is currently a trumpet player in the North Georgia Winds, which is an adult community band.
Mr. Bagley and his wife, Jennifer, live in Athens with their son, Jesse, and guinea pig, Snowball.
