1. James O. Seda, Band Director Valencia Hartley, Band Booster President
Steven Cooper, Asst. Band Director Kimberly Hunter, Fundraising Chair
2016-2017 Southwest DeKalb High School Marching Band
Southwest DeKalb High School
2863 Kelley Chapel Road, Decatur, GA 30034
(678) 874-1902
Bria Hunter
(404) 518-2763
Briahunter93@gmail.com
July 20, 2016
Southwest DeKalb Band Boosters, Inc. Fact Sheet
Overview
The Southwest DeKalb Band Boosters, Incorporated is a non-profit 501(C) 3 organization, that relies
primarily on our committed and dedicated parents who address our administrative and operational needs
entirely on a volunteer basis. The Southwest DeKalb High School Marching Panthers Band is an
outstanding band with over 200 talented musicians and academic achievers. Under the dynamic
leadership of Mr. James O. Seda, the Director of Bands, and Mr. Steven Cooper, the Assistant Director of
Bands, the band has long been an integral part of the community bringing worldwide recognition to the
area.
Mission
Working hard is most essential. Through that, it is our mission to increase confidence, self-discipline,
organization and individual performance as we hold ourselves accountable to rise above the expected
while cultivating a positive environment that fosters a life-long love of Music. As merit of our hard work
in rehearsals, performances and in the classroom, we will seek and participate in the best and most
educationally enriching band events the nation has to offer.
Achievements
The Southwest DeKalb High School Band recognizes excellence in musicianship through a variety of
award programs.
Achievements include:
 Performed in the opening ceremony of the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games
 Marched in 1997 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
 Performed in the Carnival of Flowers in Nice, France
 Featured in the 20th Century Fox film “DRUMLINE”
 Participated in 2006 and 2011 Rose Parade in Pasadena, California
 Performed for President George W. Bush in 2002

2. James O. Seda, Band Director Valencia Hartley, Band Booster President
Steven Cooper, Asst. Band Director Kimberly Hunter, Fundraising Chair