STAFF
Kevin M. Still
DIRECTOR OF BANDS
Kevin M. Still has served as the Director of Bands at Willow Spring High School in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, since the school’s founding in 2021. In this role, Mr. Still conducts the Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Marching Band, and Jazz Band. The band program has been praised for its contemporary approach to performances, its family-like atmosphere, and its comprehensive ensemble offerings.
Before joining Willow Spring, Mr. Still was the Director of Bands at North Lincoln High School in Lincolnton, NC. His teaching responsibilities included conducting the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, “Band of Knights” Marching Band, Jazz Band, and Pit Orchestras. He also assisted with the middle school bands at North Lincoln Middle School. The NLHS Wind Ensemble consistently earned Superior ratings at concert festivals, and the Marching Band was a frequent winner of 1st place and Grand Champion awards. The North Lincoln Band program supported over 160 students with a comprehensive parent booster organization.
Mr. Still began his career as the Director of Bands & Choirs at West Stanly High School in Oakboro, NC, where he conducted the Concert Band, Marching Band, Vocal Ensemble, and Jazz Band. During his tenure, the band and choir programs grew substantially, with the band enrollment at West Stanly Middle School nearly tripling. Ensembles from West Stanly consistently earned “excellent” and “superior” ratings at state and regional music festivals and competitions.
Mr. Still holds a Master’s in Music Education from Texas Tech University (2018) and a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (2012), where he was awarded the North Carolina Teaching Fellows Scholarship. He received his National Board certification in Adolescence Music in 2023. As a performer, Mr. Still marched trumpet with the Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps in 2009, earning a silver medal at the DCI World Championships and high brass honors.
Mr. Still is a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, the National Association for Music Education, the North Carolina Music Educators Association, and the National Band Association. Outside of music, he enjoys golfing, hiking, running, and church service opportunities. He lives in Willow Spring, NC, with his wife Kristen, and their sons Craig (5), Colin (3), and Camden (1), as well as their cat Gracie.
Dominique Ruffin
MARCHING PERCUSSION INSTRUCTOR
Dominique Ruffin's musical journey began at the young age of two when he was introduced to percussion through the drum set. Proudly emerging from the Orange County public school system, Dominique actively engaged in band programs from elementary school through high school. Recognizing his talent and potential, his middle school band director, Dr. Arris Golden, his high school band director, Andy Carter, and his mentor, Scott Thomas, played pivotal roles in shaping his musical aspirations.
Encouraged to audition for Drum Corps International, Dominique embarked on a transformative experience by marching with the Coastal Surge Drum and Bugle Corps from 2013 to 2015. Passionate about nurturing percussion programs, Dominique has made significant contributions as a percussion tech and clinician across various locations in North Carolina, including his recent involvement with Apex Friendship High School in Apex, NC.
Beyond his music endeavors, Mr. Ruffin dedicates his time to serving as a Security Official at Chapel-Hill High School and managing his tree-cutting service during the school year. Grateful for his role within the Willow Spring Sound of the Storm team, Dominique embraces each opportunity to make a positive impact through his diverse skill set and unwavering dedication to music and community.
Mitchell Stokes
CONCERT WOODWIND INSTRUCTOR
Mitchell Stokes graduated from UNC Charlotte in 2016 with a degree in Music Education, concentrating in Clarinet Performance. He taught middle school music for six years in the Charlotte area before deciding to pursue a new career in technical recruiting. He now works for a company based in Phoenix, AZ, where his role is to connect employers with high-quality candidates in the tech industry. Despite his career shift, Mitchell still enjoys performing and teaching private lessons.
Recently, Mitchell relocated back to the Raleigh area after spending 11 years in Charlotte. He lives with his temperamental and noisy roommate, an orange tabby cat named Graham. In addition to his musical pursuits, Mitchell is an avid advocate for both physical and mental health. He loves to read, watch reality television, crochet, and spend time with friends.
Robin Gorham
CONCERT BRASS INSTRUCTOR
Robin Gorham concluded her illustrious 25-year career in teaching middle school band by retiring in June of 2020, having most recently imparted her knowledge at Fuquay-Varina Middle School. Throughout her tenure, her students achieved notable placements in district and state honor bands, while her concert bands consistently garnered Superior and Excellent ratings at various concert band festivals. Ms. Gorham's dedication to the field extended beyond the classroom as she presented at numerous professional development conferences, mentored aspiring educators, and held leadership positions within the Central District Band Directors Association.
Proudly holding a music education degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for her undergraduate studies and a Masters of Music in Music Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Ms. Gorham's commitment to excellence was further underscored by her National Board Certification in 2003. Her exceptional contributions to music education were recognized with prestigious awards, including the North Carolina Band Association’s Award of Excellence from both the Southeastern Band Directors Association in 2009 and the East Central Band Directors Association in 2021. She remains an active member of esteemed musical associations, such as the North Carolina Music Educators Association, National Association for Music Education, and the American School Band Directors Association.
Beyond her musical pursuits, Ms. Gorham is a certified yoga teacher who integrates the benefits of yoga into marching band, concert band activities, and overall well-being of young musicians through specialized clinics and rehearsals. She imparts her expertise in yoga across various studios in southern Wake County.
Maintaining a private horn studio, Ms. Gorham serves as the brass instructor for the Fuquay-Varina High School Marching Band, engages as a freelance horn player, and conducts the Triangle Youth Academy Brass Band. Alongside her husband, Matt Edwards, the director of the Fuquay-Varina High School Bands, and their feline companion, Annie, Ms. Gorham calls Fuquay-Varina home, embodying a life dedicated to music, education, and holistic well-being.
