Moore County Community Band

Cheryl, a southwestern Ohio native and salutatorian of Miamisburg High School, launched her 47-year teaching career immediately after earning her Bachelor of Music Education degree from Eastern Kentucky University. Her dedication to music education spanned diverse roles in Dayton and Vandalia Public Schools, encompassing K-8 band, general music, choir, theatre, and handbells. As her family relocated, she continued to inspire students in Virginia and Michigan. Beyond the classroom, Cheryl enriched her community as a music director for churches and co-director of Kettering Children’s Choir. Her contributions were recognized with multiple “Staff Member of the Year” awards, “Sam’s Club Teacher of the Year,” and the proclamation of “Cheryl Theis Day” in Vandalia, Ohio, honoring her dedication to teaching and leadership in a successful $500,000 auditorium renovation campaign. Students under her direction were also invited to prestigious performances at state and national music educator conventions. Today, Cheryl remains a committed community volunteer, supporting the West Pine Middle School Band, performing with MCCB and NHB, and mentoring Odyssey of the Mind teams. Above all, she cherishes family time with her husband, 3 children, 6 grandchildren, and 3 spoiled rotten chugs.

Mollie Wilson grew up on a farm in central Pennsylvania. In the summer after fourth grade, she began instrumental lessons and has played ever since. During high school, Mollie became director of the Mapleton Community Band, and soon after, she attended Pennsylvania State University. Most of her teaching career was in the Pocono Mountains in the beautiful town of Milford, PA, where she was a band director for more than thirty years. Along with directing bands, Mollie served as drama director and musical director for decades at Delaware Valley School District.
Retiring to the Sandhills to escape the cold, snowy winters, she continues her life of music, participating in many local performance groups, and is the director of New Horizons Band in the Pines. Mollie is also the proprietor of Pine Gables of Aberdeen Bed and Breakfast.

From his beginnings in Jonesboro, Arkansas, Doug Yopp demonstrated exceptional musical talent, earning a spot as 4th chair in the McDonald’s All American High School Band. This achievement paved the way for a full scholarship to Arkansas State University, followed by a transfer to the University of Florida. At UF, he excelled as principal Euphonium and led the Gator Bands as their President. His passion for music education led to a 38-year career in Florida, primarily in Lake County, where he was recognized as Teacher of the Year five times. The Florida Bandmasters Association honored him with the Oliver Hobbs Award, and he dedicated six years to their executive board. His jazz bands achieved national recognition, performing at the All-Night Soul and Jazz Festival in New York City and the New Orleans Heritage and Jazz Festival. A highlight of his career was leading his middle school band in Governor Jeb Bush’s 1999 inaugural parade. Today, as a respected Florida Bandmasters Association Adjudicator and guest conductor, Doug enjoys life in Vass, NC, with Jill, his wife of 46 years.