Smiths Station High School

Dr. Gene Butler
SSHS Director of Bands
butler.gene@lee.k12.al.us  

Give to the communities that have given so much to you is the idea that has driven the career of Dr. Gene Butler.  Currently serving as Adjunct Instructor of Music Education at Troy University and Director of Bands at Smiths Station High School,  Dr. Butler believes that quality education can be, and should be, available to every child.

Dr. Butler is the recipient of both Bachelors and Masters Degrees from Troy University and Ed. D. in Curriculum and Leadership from Columbus State University.  While at Troy University, Dr. Butler proudly served as drum major for the “Sound of the South” Marching Band and principal tuba of the Troy University Symphony Band.  The School of Music faculty selected him for the 2010 Outstanding Music Graduate Award.  Dr. Butler credits his former teachers and current mentors Dr. Mark Walker, Dr. Larry Blocher, Mr. Ralph Ford, Mr. Robert W. Smith, and Dr. Rusty Courson with affording him opportunities that significantly shaped and advanced his teaching career.

Prior to Smiths Station, Dr. Butler served the students at Trinity Presbyterian School in Montgomery, AL.  During his tenure at Trinity, the band program grew from 39 students to over 80 students.  The marching band and concert band consistently received top ratings at assessments.  Dr. Butler is proud to have been named the 2015 Outstanding Young Music Educator of the Year for the state of Alabama from the Alabama Music Educator’s Association during his time at Trinity.  

The Smiths Station Band Program has flourished during Dr. Butler’s tenure, growing from 316 students to over 550 students. The Smiths Station High School “Panther Spirit” Marching Band, known as the Pride of the City, consistently places in the top three at all marching contests. Due to the program’s growth, the Wind Symphony was added in 2024 giving the school three high school concert bands. All high school concert bands consistently receive top ratings at concert band assessments. In addition to these ensembles, the high school band program has three visual ensemble groups, numerous chamber ensembles, and two jazz bands.  During the 2024-2025 school year, Dr. Butler was recognized as a 2025 Yamaha “40 Under 40” music educator, Smiths Station High School Teacher of the Year, Lee County Schools Secondary Teacher of the Year, and inaugural member of the Troy University Fanfare Society of Distinguished Alumni.

In addition to serving as Director of Bands at Smiths Station High School, Dr. Butler also serves as an Adjunct Instructor of Music Education at Troy University where he teaches graduate level courses. Additionally, Dr. Butler is a Music Education Writer for Yamaha focusing on music education related articles.

Dr. Butler consistently serves the band community of Alabama through numerous organizations and committees.  Dr. Butler is currently serving as President-Elect of the Alabama Bandmasters Association and board member for the Troy University Southeastern United States Honor Bands and Clinic.  An active clinician and adjudicator across the Southeastern United States, Dr. Butler enjoys helping students everywhere he travels reach their musical goals.

Kevin Wright
SSHS Associate Director of Bands
wright.kevin@lee.k12.al.us

De’Shun Iverson
SSJHS Director of Bands
iverson.deshun@lee.k12.al.us

De'Shun Iverson serves as Director of Bands at Smiths Station Junior High School in Smiths Station, AL. He is responsible for teaching beginner and intermediate level band classes, exploratory music, and oversees administration of the junior high school band.

A native of Americus, GA, Mr. Iverson is a graduate of Troy University with degrees in Music Education. At Troy, Mr. Iverson performed in several instrumental and vocal ensembles, served as Drum Major of the "Sound of the South" Marching Band, was a Graduate Teaching Assistant for the University Band Program, and conducted the Troy University Concert Band.

He is a published author and an active member of the National Association for Music Education, the Alabama Bandmasters Association, and the Alabama Music Educators Association.

Chris Cox
SSJHS Associate Director of Bands
cox.chris@lee.k12.al.us

Mr. Cox serves as the Associate Director of Bands at Smiths Station Junior High School and oversees the percussion section for grades 7-12. His responsibilities include co-teaching all Beginning Band classes and the Intermediate band, assisting with Marching Band, and leading the High School Jazz Band. He is a graduate of Auburn University where he was a member of the Auburn University Marching Band, Principal Percussionist of the Concert Band, and member of the Jazz Band and Percussion Ensemble. 

Mr. Cox lives in Auburn with his wife Mary Grace and his dog Dallas.

Virginia Stephens
Color Guard Sponsor
stephens.virginia@lee.k12.al.us

Kate Blackmon
Majorette Sponsor
senn.katherine@lee.k12.al.us

Kailen Brown
Pantherette Sponsor
brown.kailen@lee.k12.al.us