A native of Charlotte, North Carolina and graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Eric Wells is in his 28th year of teaching high school band. Mr. Wells earned a Master’s degree from Winthrop University in 1999 and a second Master’s degree through the American Band College of Sam Houston State University in 2011. This is his first year back at Easley High School, after having taught there from 2001-2004.

Bands under his leadership have earned numerous state and regional awards at concert and marching events. While at Clover High School, the Symphonic Band was a featured performing ensemble at the SCMEA Conference and University of South Carolina Band Clinic. The Clover Marching Band was also named the 2007 4A Upper State and State Marching Band Champion. Mr. Wells’ bands have earned the SCBDA Outstanding Performance Award for 20 of the last 21 years.

Eric Wells has been awarded the Citation of Excellence by the National Band Association on two occasions. In 2023, Mr. Wells was inducted into the Bandworld Legion of Honor. His professional affiliations include the South Carolina Band Directors Association, the National Association for Music Education, Phi Beta Mu, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.

Mr. Wells has been married for 14 years to his beautiful wife, Melanie. She is the clarinet specialist for Spartanburg District Five schools. Eric and Melanie are the proud parents of two daughters; Reece (10) and Mary-Brooke (7). They also love spending family time with their goldendoodle, Jules.

Matthew Grant has served as the Associate Director of Bands at Easley High School since 2022. Prior to his teaching tenure at Easley, he was the music teacher at Hagood Elementary in Pickens, where he cultivated a love of music among young students.

A graduate of Winthrop University, Mr. Grant earned his Bachelor of Music Education with an instrumental focus in 2019. During his time at Winthrop, he was an accomplished trombonist, serving as principal trombone of the Wind Symphony and performing with the Trombone Quartet, Trombone Choir, Carolinas Wind Orchestra, and the Winthrop Symphony Orchestra. As an active performer, he has played in renowned concert halls across the East Coast, including the historic Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Mr. Grant furthered his education by earning a Master’s Degree in Instructional Design and Learning Technology from Anderson University, where his research centered on best practices in music pedagogy. He is an active member of professional organizations including the National Association for Music Education, the South Carolina Band Directors Association, Pi Kappa Lambda, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.

Under Mr. Grant’s direction, bands have consistently earned superior and excellent ratings at state contests and festivals. As a graduate in the Easley High School Class of 2015, Mr. Grant has a special connection to the Easley Bands and is proud to encourage students in their journey to success. When he is not teaching, he enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing disc golf, and enjoying a Dr. Pepper.

William Flynn serves as the Assistant Director of Bands and Director of Percussion at Easley High School. He leads various ensembles within the percussion program, including the newly founded Green Wave Steel Band. In addition, he works closely with Eric Wells and Matthew Grant to support the Concert Band, Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble.

Since 2015, William has worked as a percussion educator and ensemble director across South Carolina. He previously served as the director of world percussion at Dent Middle School and as director of percussion for West-Oak High School and the Walhalla High School/Middle School cluster. His ensembles earned numerous accolades, including a first-place finish at the SCBDA Indoor Percussion Championship and regular state finals appearances in marching band.

William also served as Professor of Percussion at Limestone University, where he directed various ensembles and led Saints Percussion to a top-ten finish at WGI Percussion Independent A Finals.

He holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees in performance and education from Coastal Carolina University.

Outside of teaching, William enjoys spending time outdoors and playing disc golf. He lives in Pickens with his wife, Shannon, their daughter, Ellie, and their dog, Surdo. He is excited to contribute to the Easley band's tradition of excellence and to continue building a vibrant and thriving percussion culture.

Emerson Green joined the staff at Easley High School in 2025. She comes from Westside High School where she spent the last 4 years co-directing and designing for their color guard. Over the years she has worked with numerous groups across the upstate, growing programs and leading to many successes. Some of her performance experience includes The District Independent (‘18) and Toccata Independent (‘22,’23). 

Not only is she an Easley graduate, but she also holds a Bachelor’s degree from Clemson University in Marketing. Outside of color guard you can find her over at CycleBar or at the dog park with her baby Delilah. She’s very excited to be back with Easley and can’t wait to get things started this season!