Staff
The Mustang Regiment has an outstanding staff who work very hard to ensure that all students in the program are given the best possible education.
2025 MARCHING BAND STAFF TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!
Michael Baker
Director of Bands: Palmetto High School
Michael Baker Graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of South Carolina School of Music. As a teacher, Mr. Baker has been an assistant conductor for many groups, as well as teaching on staff at many marching bands including the Blythewood Blue Legion. Mr. Baker also has much experience as a performer and soloist. He has competed and placed in national and international competitions including winning second prize in the North International Music Competition. He was also chosen as a soloist with the USC Symphony orchestra. Mr. Baker is originally from Aurora, IL
Caleb Hamlyn
Director of Bands: Palmetto Middle School
Caleb Hamlyn comes to us from Easley, South Carolina, and is excited to take on his new role of Director of Bands at Palmetto Middle School. Mr. Hamlyn has previously served as the Music Teacher at Sugar Ridge Elementary School in Boiling Springs, SC, as well as a Brass & Visual Instructor at Travelers Rest High School in Travelers Rest, SC.
In his time at Sugar Ridge Elementary, Mr. Hamlyn has grew the Choir program by 87%, as well as put on grade level performances for K-5. At Travelers Rest High School, he helped lead the school to one of their best marching seasons in school history. The band reached finals at a BOA regional for the first time in school history, as well as achieving 2nd Place in SCBDA Class 3A, winning High Visual Performance overall.
A native of Lexington, Kentucky, Mr. Hamlyn graduated with his Bachelor's in Music Education from the University of Kentucky. He performed in multiple performing groups across the campus, as well as being a 2-year Drum Major of Kentucky’s “Wildcat Marching Band.” He also spent time at the University in Independent Study opportunities in conducting, composition, arranging, and wind band literature.
Mr. Hamlyn enjoys spending time with his wife Emily, their cat Charlie, and their soon-to-be new addition to the family in Summer 2024! He also enjoys playing French Horn gigs, spending his free time watching and playing basketball, fostering cats, and doing graphic design on the side!
Rachel Smith
Colorguard Instructor
Ms. Rachel Smith graduated from Palmetto High School and participated in color guard and winter guard for 5 years. She served as Guard Captain for 3 years. She is now a senior majoring in Special Education at Anderson University. Although Rachel does not play an instrument, she participates and sings on the worship team at her church!
In Rachel’s free time, you can catch her studying watching the local sunsets, spending time with her dog, Sabine or chilling at a coffee shop!
Gabby Stoelting
Percussion Instructor
Coming Soon!