Joe Hooten- Band Director

Troy State University – Bachelor of Music Education

Mr. Hooten was born in Florala, Alabama and graduated from Troy State University. He previously taught at Richburg Junior High School from 1975 to 1987 and has been the Director of Bands at Tate ever since.

Mr. Hooten is a member of the Florida Bandmaster’s Association, Music Educator’s National Conference, Florida Music Educator’s Association, and Phi Beta Mu. He is also a member of the Gulf Coast Colorguard and Percussion Circuit Hall of Fame, has been awarded “Outstanding Bandmaster” by Phi Beta Mu, and recently has served on the Winterguard International Board of Directors.

Mr. Hooten and his wife Shelley have a son Taylor who is a Tate graduate and currently a student at the University of Central Florida. They also have a daughter, Tanner, also a graduate of Tate and currently attending University of West Florida.

Mike Philley, Assistant Director

University of West Florida – Bachelor of Music Education

Mr. Philley was born in Delhi, LA and moved to Pensacola in 1987.  He is a graduate of Escambia High School.  His previous teaching experience includes Ferry Pass Middle School (1997-2000), Woodham High School (2000-2006), and Davidson Middle School in Crestview, Florida (2006-08).

Mr. Philley is a member of Music Educators’ National Conference, Florida Music Educators Association, and is currently the District 1 Chairman for the Florida Bandmasters Association.  He and his wife Amy have three children, Madison (10), Tucker (6) and Clay (3). 

More Band Staff

Wanda Harrell - Guard Instructor

Madeleine Dardeau - Guard Instructor

Jesse Campbell - Percussion Caption Head

Ashton Conley - Percussion Staff

Ricky Barlow- Percussion Staff

Jeff Gentry - Drill Writer

Robert W. Smith - Music Arranger

Eric Toler