Band Staff
michael.thurber@npsb.la
Cody Thurber
Director of Bands
Mr. Thurber has served as Director of Bands at Natchitoches Central since July 2022. Prior to his time at NCHS, Mr. Thurber served as a Student Teacher with the Live Oak High School Band (Denham Springs, Louisiana). While with Live Oak, the concert band recieved "Best in Class" distinction at Festival Disney (in Orlando, Florida)
Mr. Thurber attended Louisiana State University from August 2017 until May 2022 and graduated with a Bachelor's of Music Education. While at LSU, Mr. Thurber was a 5 year member of the Golden Band from Tigerland and Bengal Brass Basketball Band. Mr. Thurber served as LSU's trombone section leader from 2020-2022. While at LSU, Mr. Thurber was also a four year member of the LSU Trombone Studio, studying under globally acclaimed trombonist, Dr. Hana Beloglavec. Mr. Thurber also performed in the Symphonic Winds, Symphonic Band, Trombone Choir, and the "I Digress" Trombone Quartet during his undergrad career. Mr. Thurber is an alumni of the Beta Gamma Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi (National Band Fraternity). Mr. Thurber ended his college career with being named the Tiger Band's "Most Outstanding Bandsman" for the 2021-22 season.
emmaleigh.toney@npsb.la
Emmaleigh Toney
Associate Band Director / Interim Colorguard Coach
Ms. Toney has sereved as the Associate Band Director at Natchitoches Central since July 2022. Prior to this, Ms. Toney served as a Student Teacher at Natchitoches Central High School under the leadership of Coach John Daughtery.
Ms. Toney attended Northwestern State University from August 2018 until May 2022 and graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in Secondary Education and a concentration in Social Studies. She was a four-year member of the Spirit of Northwestern Marching and Concert Bands. During her time in the SON, Ms. Toney served as the piccolo section leader for the 2020 and 2021 marching seasons.
In Spring 2023, Toney assumed the role of colorguard coach at NCHS.
alexander.guillory@npsb.la
Alexander Guillary
Band Tech
Alexander Guillory joined the faculty of Natchitoches Central High School in the Spring of 2021 and currently serves as an English I teacher and as a technician for the NCHS Band Department. He received his bachelor's degree in Music Education at Northwestern State University, and has performed, assisted in directing, and composed/arranged for multiple ensembles therein.
Mr. Guillory's primary role is assisting with the woodwind musicians during marching band season.