Benjamin J. Diden is the assistant director of bands at the Georgia Institute of Technology. He serves as conductor of the symphonic band and assistant director of athletic bands. Diden received the Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree and the Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting degree from the University of Tennessee. He has served as a graduate assistant for the Pride of the Southland Marching Band at UT and the Mighty Sound of the Southeast Marching Band at USC, where he worked extensively with the entire band program of each university. He taught for several years in the public schools of Tennessee, most recently at Cumberland County High School in Crossville, Tennessee.  Diden is a member of MENC, the College Band Directors National Association, and the National Band Association. He is also an honorary member of Tau Beta Sigma and Kappa Kappa Psi.

In 2018 Mallory Kliesrath, after spinning as a cross-registered student at Georgia Tech from 2010-2013, became an assistant coach of the Georgia Tech Colorguard. A lifetime performer and Atlanta suburbanite, Mallory has spun over 20 seasons from programs across Georgia: Collins Hill HS, Georgia Tech Color Guard, Aureus Independent, The Edge Independent, Georgia State University Winterguard, and in special performances like the Super Bowl halftime show and an Atlanta Falcons pregame show. As a seasoned coach, Mallory has also spent 4 years on the Lakeside Independent staff. With a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology she is looking forward to starting her new job as a Project Support Specialist at the Georgia Tech Research Institute. In her spare time you can catch her at music festivals across the country.

Mr. Brandon Kunka is a private teacher, educator, performer, and composer based out of Roswell, GA. Originally from Savannah, Georgia, Mr. Kunka holds degrees in Percussion Performance and Music Composition from Georgia Southern University, and a Master's Degree in Percussion Performance from the University of Miami. Mr. Kunka is an active clinician, giving master classes for middle and high school students throughout the state of Georgia.  He has performed with such artists as Evanescence, Lindsey Stirling, Sarah McLachlan, Red Holloway, Tom “Bones” Malone, and Paul Oakenfold, and toured China as the timpanist with the Hollywood Concert Orchestra.  He has performed at the 2010 Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC).  Mr. Kunka is also a drummer, bassist, guitarist, and vocalist for various live and studio projects in Atlanta. 

Mr. Kunka currently has a private studio comprised of students who consistently earn membership in All-State Band, All-State Jazz Band, and District Honor Band. He is a member of the Percussive Arts Society, the National Association for Music Education, and the Georgia Music Educators Association.  He is endorsed by Vic Firth, Incorporated.

Nigel Conton comes from Atlanta, Georgia by way of Portland, Oregon. He started his marching career at George Walton Academy in Monroe Georgia and continued into college at the Georgia Tech where he studied Electrical Engineering. He has marched with several ensembles including Spirit Drum and Bugle Corps, Odyssey Percussion Theatre and the Atlanta Falcons Drumline.

Nigel has taught and directed several percussion programs in the Atlanta area including George Walton Academy, Rockdale County High-school, McEachern High-school, Q2 and Palmetto Percussion. He currently serves as a bass technician at Equinox Percussion.

Nigel holds a degree in Electrical Engineering and currently works full-time for a local engineering consulting firm. He is excited for the opportunity to work with his Alma Mater.