Director Biographies

Matthew Cox, the Director of Bands at Gilbert High School is a native of Easley, SC. He has spent many years working with award-winning band programs and other performance ensembles throughout the Southeast and Midwest.

Mr. Cox received his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of South Carolina in the spring of 2002, and received his Master of Music Education with Emphasis in Conducting degree at the University of South Carolina in August of 2008.

During his time at USC, Mr. Cox was a constant performer. He has performed with such ensembles as the USC Symphonic Band under the direction of Mr. James K. Copenhaver, the USC Concert Band under the direction of Dr. David O’Shields, the Left-Bank Big Band under the direction of Roger Pemberton and Bert Ligon, the USC Trombone Collective under the direction of Dr. Bradley Edwards, and the Palmetto Concert Band. Mr. Cox was also a Co-founder and eventual conductor of the College Street Brass Ensemble which he ran for three years. Away from USC, Mr. Cox was a member of the Cadets of Bergen County Drum and Bugle Corps during the 1995, 1997, and 1998 seasons; a group that was named DCI World Champions in 1998.

Mr. Cox has worked with many high school band programs around the country as either an instructor, a consultant, or as a designer. From 1999-2003, Mr. Cox was an instructor for the award-winning Irmo High school band where he helped the band earn 5 consecutive 5A State Marching Championships, a BOA Regional Championship (2001), and helped the band earn the title of BOA National Semi-Finalist (2003) and National Finalist (2001). Mr. Cox has also served as an instructor for several Drum and Bugle Corps including Scenic City from Chattanooga, TN, Capital Regiment from Columbus, OH, and Carolina Crown from Fort Mill, SC.

For two years prior to becoming the Director of Bands at Gilbert High School, Mr. Cox was the Director of Bands at Seneca High School. This is his fifth year of teaching and his third year at Gilbert High School.

Sid Tyner is currently the Director of Bands at Gilbert Middle School and Assistant Band Director at Gilbert High School. He is a native of Darlington, SC and a graduate of West Florence High School.

Mr. Tyner received his Bachelor of Music in Music Education with a Performance Certificate from the University of South Carolina in May of 2003. In May of 2005 he received a Master of Music degree in Saxophone Performance, also from the University of South Carolina.

During his tenure at the University of South Carolina, Mr. Tyner was a student of renowned saxophonist Dr. Clifford Leaman. He was an active performer while at USC, performing in such ensembles as the USC Symphonic Band under the direction of Mr. James K. Copenhaver, the USC Concert Band under the direction of Dr. David O’Shields, and the Left-Bank Big Band under the direction of Bert Ligon. Mr. Tyner was also a charter member of the award winning Assembly Saxophone Quartet which actively performed throughout North and South Carolina as well as Washington DC and Louisville. He has had the opportunity to perform as a soloist and as part of a saxophone quartet at events and competitions hosted by organizations such as the North American Saxophone Alliance, the Music Teachers National Association as well as the Navy Band Saxophone Symposium.

Currently, Mr. Tyner is a member of the Palmetto Concert Band, under the direction of Mr. James K. Copenhaver and Dr. William Moody. He also performs regularly with Columbia area jazz ensembles. Mr. Tyner resides in Columbia with his wife Meagan and their two children Parker and Kate. This is his fourth year as a band director in Gilbert.

Mark Hodowanec is currently the Director of Bands at Gilbert Elementary and Middle Schools, and is an Assistant Director at Gilbert High School. He is a native of Reading, PA.

Mr. Hodowanec received his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of South Carolina in the fall of 1998. While at USC, Mr. Hodowanec performed in many ensembles including the USC Marching Band and Left Bank Big Band.

Before coming to Gilbert, Mr. Hodowanec worked in the construction business as a ceramic tile installer for over four years. He also worked with the Swansea High School Marching Band brass section for three years.

For the last nine years, he has been the trumpet player for the regional touring group, The Root Doctors. He continues to manage a busy playing schedule along with his school duties.

Prior to teaching at Gilbert, Mr. Hodowanec taught at Tanglewood Middle School in Greenville, SC for two years. Mr. “H” is entering his sixth year of teaching and his fourth year at Gilbert.

Crystal Lotz, is currently an English teacher and the newspaper advisor at Gilbert High School. She is a native of Beech Island, South Carolina.

Ms. Lotz received her Bachelors of Arts in English from the University of South Carolina in 2006 and received her Masters of Teaching degree from the University of South Carolina in 2007.

Ms. Lotz is entering her third year at Gilbert High School and her second year working with the marching band.