Our Directors

In addition to guest conductors that may appear throughout our concert season, we have two permanent directors, Sherie Grossman and Ben Channell. 

Sherie Grossman received her Bachelor of Music in clarinet performance from the University of California Irvine in 1996. She continued on to obtain a teaching certificate from California State University, Fullerton, and taught band and orchestra at the Middle School level for 7 years.

During that time she completed a Masters degree in Conducting from Southern Oregon University's American Band College.

Sherie is the founder and director of the Cedar Creek Community Band serving in the Wilson County/Middle Tennessee area since 2009.

Sherie became the Assistant Band Director and Assistant Choir Director at Mt. Juliet High School in the fall of 2011. In 2012 she started the only orchestra program in the Wilson County District. The orchestra at MJHS grew into a high achieving performance ensemble. 

After a few years as the Orchestra and Choir Director at Ellis Middle School in Hendersonville, Sherie returned to Mt. Juliet High School as the Assistant Band Director before accepting her current position as Orchestra Director at James Lawson High School in Nashville, Tennessee.

Sherie was recognized in the SBO magazine in the December 2018 edition as one of the “50 Directors Who Make A Difference” representing the state of Tennessee. She was one of 30 CMA Foundation’s 2019 Music Teachers of Excellence. She was also a Semi-Finalist for the 2020 Grammy Music Educator award.

Ben Channell currently serves as Director of Bands and Fine Arts Department Chair at Lebanon High School in Lebanon, Tennessee.

A graduate of Tullahoma High School, Mr. Channell earned his Undergraduate Degree in Music Education from Lipscomb University. He spent his first four years as the Director of Bands at Winfree-Bryant Middle School while serving as the Assistant Director with the Lebanon High School Band.

Under his direction, the Lebanon High School Band has received numerous accolades, awards, and superior ratings at both festivals and contests. Mr. Channell is an active performer, composer, and arranger having had the privilege of premiering several works in the Middle Tennessee area including premiere performances by the Cedar Creek Community Band.

He also serves as the associate director of The Cedar Creek Community Band. Since 2019, he has served MTSBOA as a Mid-State Ensemble Chair and now serves TnMEA as the 11-12 All State Band Ensemble Chair.

In addition to his love of music and education, Mr. Channell enjoys golf, hiking, biking, kayaking, and all things gaming. He currently resides in Wilson County, TN with his wife, Liz, and their much-loved dogs.