Meet our Staff
Heroldany Artiga - Director of Bands
Jeff Davis High School
Mr. Artiga is proud to begin his first full year as Director of Bands at Jeff Davis High School. A native of Douglas, Georgia, he holds an Associate of Arts in Music from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, a Bachelor of Arts in Music, and a Master’s Degree in Music Education from Valdosta State University. While at ABAC, he served as president of the CNAfME chapter and received the Gene Wyles Scholarship. He was an active performer with the ABAC Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble.
At VSU, Mr. Artiga earned both the Music Alliance Scholarship and the Billy Walker Band Award. He performed with the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Blazin’ Brigade Marching Band, and the VSU Trumpet Ensemble, which qualified for the prestigious National Trumpet Competition.
Before joining Jeff Davis, Mr. Artiga served as Director of Bands at Madison County High School in Madison, Florida, where he was tasked with rebuilding a small program of just 24 members. Under his leadership, the band experienced significant musical and membership growth—doubling in size, earning a superior rating at a marching band competition, and achieving the school’s best Concert MPA ratings in 15 years. During his tenure, student participation in Solo & Ensemble and honor bands increased, and students successfully earned placement in the Florida All-State Band as well as music scholarships to universities following graduation.
Mr. Artiga is an active member of the Florida Bandmasters Association, Georgia Music Educators Association, National Association for Music Education, and the International Trumpet Guild. As a trumpeter, he has performed with the Valdosta Symphony, Albany Symphony, and various community ensembles. He continues to freelance as a trumpet player throughout the region. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, attending concerts, and cheering on his favorite sports teams.
Elijah Alford - Assistant Band Director
Jeff Davis Middle School
(Update coming soon)
Shane I. Schroeder - Assistant Band Director
Jeff Davis Elementary School
5th Grade Band Director
Color Guard Coach
[email protected]
Shane I. Schroeder is the 5th Grade Band Director at Jeff Davis Elementary School, Hazlehurst, GA (2022-current). Shane has earned his Bachelor's Degree in Music Education with Instrumental Emphasis at Young Harris College in Young Harris, GA. During his time there, he served as President of Young Harris College's CNAfME Chapter, the Collegiate National Association for Music Educators, and President of Mu Phi Epsilon, a coeducational music honors fraternity.
As a Jeff Davis County native, he has served as an adjudicator, instructor, and leader in his community. His elementary music ensembles, both instrumental and chorale, have experienced many honors and distinctions. Under his direction, the Jeff Davis Elementary School Beta Club Songfest group earned first place at the Georgia Beta Club Convention in Savannah, GA, in 2023 and second place at the Georgia Beta Club Convention in 2024. Under his direction, the Jeff Davis Elementary School Beginning Band Program premiered a commissioned piece entitled "Swarm" by composer Tyler Arcari, detailing what it means to be a Yellow Jacket.
Shane and his immediate family live in Hazlehurst, Georgia. He spends most of his days creating music, performing, gaming, and spending time with his family.
Casie Jones - Auxiliary Instructor
Jeff Davis Primary School
Majorette Instructor
Mrs. Casie Jones is beginning her 3rd year as the Majorette Instructor/Choreographer for the Pride of the Pinelands. Originally from Cordele, GA, Mrs. Jones graduated with honors from Crisp County High School. She obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education from Georgia Southern University. Currently, in her 17th year as a classroom teacher, Mrs. Jones teaches Special Education at Jeff Davis Primary for grades K-2.
Previously, Mrs. Jones has served as an adjudicator for various marching festivals and competitions throughout middle and south Georgia. While a Crisp County High School student, she served as Majorette Captain for the Crisp County Cougar Marching Band Majorette Line for both her junior & senior years. During her senior year, she was fortunate to have the opportunity to march with the band in the Gator Bowl parade and perform as a feature majorette during the halftime show in Jacksonville, FL. Upon college graduation, she was honored to serve for 10 years as Majorette Instructor/Choreographer for the Hawkinsville High School Marching Machine Band. Mrs. Jones has taught baton twirling to many young girls in her area. She is super excited about the future of the Majorette program in Jeff Davis! In the Spring, she will be offering baton twirling for groups and private lessons, culminating with a Spring recital performance.
Mrs. Jones and her husband, Cote, have been married for nearly 18 years. He is a football coach for JDHS and a golf coach for JDMS. Together, they have two amazing children, Rylee, a 5th grader at JDES, and Rhett, a 4th grader at JDES.