Frankfort High School Falcon Band

Johnny Leonard hails from Brooke County, WV.  He attended West Virginia University from 2001-2006 and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Music.  During his time there, he was very active with the Pride of West Virginia Mountaineer Marching Band and served as the trumpet section leader for 3 years, as well as serve as an instructor for band camps throughout West Virginia and Ohio.  Mr. Leonard also was an active member of the Concert Band, Pep Band, Jazz Ensemble, Salsa Band, and Wind Symphony.  After student teaching at Clay-Battelle Junior and Senior High School in Monongalia County, he graduated college and went on to teach privately and work as a substitute teacher in Brooke County for a year.  Last year, he taught K-5 general music, 3-5 grade orchestra, and 4-5 grade band at Lexington Park Elementary School in Maryland.  Mr. Leonard is the proud new Director of Bands at Frankfort High School and is eager to bring his diverse musical experience to advance an already very successful Falcon music program.

Mark Gauthier is serving his second year as Assistant Marching Band Director at Frankfort High School.  He has served as the band’s Percussion Coordinator since 2005.  Mr. Gauthier is a 2005 graduate of Frankfort High School and is currently a junior majoring in Music Education at Frostburg State University, where he has performed with numerous ensembles and is a member of Phi Mu Alpha Music Fraternity.

Mr. Gauthier is in constant demand as a performer throughout the region.  He currently teaches percussion at the Cumberland Music Academy.

Justin McFarland is serving his second year as Assistant Marching Band Director at Frankfort High School.  He has served as the band’s Low Brass Instructor since 2004.  Mr. McFarland is a 2004 graduate of Frankfort High School and is currently a senior majoring in Music Education at West Virginia University, where he has performed with numerous ensembles and is a member of Phi Mu Alpha Music Fraternity.

Mr. McFarland is in constant demand as a performer throughout the region.  He currently teaches bass guitar, guitar, and trombone at the Cumberland Music Academy.

John Gauthier currently serves as the Frankfort High School Band’s Woodwind Instructor.   A 1999 graduate of Frankfort High School, Mr. Gauthier received his Bachelors Degree in Music Education from Frostburg State University.  He is currently employed by Mineral County Schools as a General Music Teacher at New Creek Primary, Burlington Primary, and Fountain Primary Schools.

Mr. Gauthier is in high demand as a performer and private guitar instructor.  He has an extensive studio of guitar students at the Cumberland Music Academy.  Mr. Gauthier served as the Assistant Band Director at FHS from 2004-2007.

John Taylor is serving his second year as the Colorguard Instructor at Frankfort High School.  Prior to coming to Frankfort, John worked with the University High School Colorguard and Indoor Guard.  As a performer, John’s experience includes:  the Pride of West Virginia Mountaineer Marching Band, Ignition Winterguard, Excel Winterguard of Pittsburgh, and Capital Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps.  He is very excited to be working with the Frankfort Colorguard this season.  Professionally, John is a 2007 graduate of the West Virginia University School of Nursing with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.  He is currently working as a Registered Nurse at WVU Children’s Hospital in Morgantown.