G. R. Batten II

2019 - Present

grace.batten@sussexvt.k12.de.us | (302)-856-0961 x1424

Grace Batten (commonly referred to as "G" or G. Batten) is a Sussex County native, a 2010 graduate of Sussex Technical High School and former trumpet section leader for the Raven Nation during her time in high school.

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She attended Delaware State University upon graduating high school. While at Delaware State, she studied and completed her degree in Music Performance in December of 2015. G. Batten marched five years as a trumpet player in the Approaching Storm Marching Band. Four of those years she served as trumpet section leader. While serving as trumpet section leader for her final marching year, she was fortunate enough to serve as Band Captain. She also participated with the jazz band, concert band and pep band while at the university.

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In 2013, G was selected by the band director of the university to participate in a jazz combo that would go to China at the request of the university president. During that time she studied how to read ancient Chinese music, how to play the Pipa (the Chinese lute) and most importantly, how to eat with chopsticks. 

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Grace is not a stranger to this program. Prior to her receiving the position as Band Director, she served as the bands administrative/instructional assistant for four years. She is a member of Kappa Delta Pi (Honor Society in Education), Sigma Alpha Pi - National Society for Leadership and Success, and a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. 

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In addition to serving as Band Director, she is also a Para-educator for Sussex Tech and currently pursuing her masters degree in school counseling through Capella University. 

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Onward and Upward.

Band Director

Coaches & Instructors

"Reflections" Colorguard Instructor

Jennifer Toggart - j.toggart@gmail.com

Majorette Coach

Jackie Toggart

"Platinum" Pom Pom Dance Squad Coach

Paula Holston - pholston2014@gmail.com

Arranger

Damian Bluto - damianbluto@yahoo.com

Drum Majors

• Senior Drum Major: Kaitlyn Vogel

• Junior Drum Major: Zy'aire Fooks

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Instrumentalist Section Leaders

• Flute: Christy Calderon & Jaliah Gamble

• Clarinet: Ta'Kaela Middleton & Jazmine Johnson

• Saxophones: Gabriel Walls-Ortiz

• Mellophone: TBD

• Trumpet: Donald Pasmore

• Low Brass Captian: Mason Cathell

• Bells: Gabrielle Oliphant

Drumline Captains​

• Co-Captains: Gavin Logsdon & Kristin Hardy

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Band Front

• Majorette Captain: 

• Pom Pom Captains: Macy Sapna & Callie Goff

• Color Guard Captain: Ashley Thomas & Jasmine Young

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**Student leaders will be determined after the first week in band camp.