M$B | Staff

Million Dollar Band Staff

Nicholas C. Efstathiou, Band Director

Nicholas Efstathiou is Director of Bands at Bay High School, Panama City, Florida. A native of Panama City and Alumni (1998) of Bay High, he now is serving as Director of the award winning “Million Dollar Band,” Symphonic Band, and Jazz Ensemble. Nicholas earned his Master's Degree from Troy University , where he studied instrumental music arranging with Ralph Ford, conducting with Dr. Mark Walker, and served on the board of Southeastern United States High School and Middle School Concert Band Clinic and Honor Bands. Earning a Bachelor's Degree from Troy University, Nicholas studied private tuba with Bob Mitchell and band techniques with Robert W. Smith. Throughout the southeast he has served as a tuba/brass clinician and had his arrangements for band performed by the Troy Band program as well as numerous high school programs. Nicholas' professional memberships include National Band Association, Music Educator National Conference, Florida Band Masters Association, Kappa Kappa Psi, FarmHouse Fraternity, Omicron Delta Kappa, among others.

Johnathan Soyka , Color Guard/Winterguard Instructor

Jonathan Soyka graduated from Bay High School in 1997 and is an alumnus of the "Million Dollar" band. During his freshman year, he traveled with the band to New York City and had the fantastic opportunity to play the french horn at Carnegie Hall. During his junior year, he was vice-president of Etude, mellophone section leader and marched with the indoor drumline. During his senior year, he was president of Etude, mellophone section leader and marched in the show "Rituals of Blue" with Bay Breeze Winterguard.
After graduation, he briefly attended the University of Minnesota. He completed cosmetology school in 2000 and has been a licensed Cosmetologist for the past 8-1/2 years. His profession has taken him to many localities including, Birmingham, AL., Reno, NV., and Tampa, FL. He is now enrolled full time at Gulf Coast Community College. After graduation, he plans to attend Troy University or the University of Florida, with the challenging goal of becoming a Radiologist.
He is completely enthusiastic about the opportunity to help the Bay High "Million Dollar" band in any way possible, and to be a part of the Bay High Band family once again.

Kelly S. Efstathiou, Auxiliary Coordinator/Majorette Coach

A native of Hazlehurst, GA and Alumni (2003) of Jeff Davis High School, she is currently a web developer/graphic designer for Gilligan and Ferneman, LLC. Kelly earned her Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design as well as a music industry contract from Troy University, where she was a Sound of the South majorette for 4 years, serving as captain her last year. Kelly was also a Troy University Basketball Dancer as well as a Trojan Softball player for one year. She also played flute in the symphony band for 4 years. Kelly is currently the auxiliary coordinator for the Bay High Million Dollar band, as well as the majorette coach for the Tornado Twirlers.