Brayden Coats

Biography

Brayden Coats is an active music educator and advocate for student leadership in music. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Campbell University, where he graduated summa cum laude and served as Drum Major of the university’s marching band in his final year. Mr. Coats has built a career dedicated to excellence in instrumental instruction and program development. Mr. Coats has taught at both Overhills High School and Triton High School in North Carolina, where his students and bands have consistently earned accolades at marching band competitions and Music Performance Adjudication (MPA) events.

In addition to his work in public schools, Mr. Coats served as the Logistics Coordinator and Marching Technician for the athletic bands at Campbell University, where he managed operations and supported the growth of collegiate ensembles while maintaining his teaching responsibilities at the high school level. His experience also includes a position on the Drum Major Clinics instructional staff at Smith Walbridge Clinics in Illinois, which he joined after earning his First Class in the Corps Style.

Mr. Coats is a proud alumnus of North Carolina Governor’s School East, an experience that helped shape his holistic and student-centered approach to music education. He has since been invited to serve as a clinician and masterclass leader for bands preparing for MPA, offering guidance in musical preparation, ensemble communication, and performance readiness. He is especially passionate about empowering student leaders and developing well-rounded musicians through a blend of musical excellence and character education.

He is a member of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and the North Carolina Music Educators Association (NCMEA).