One of Swainsboro’s very own will return home soon. At work, his title is Flight Commander Lieutenant Sconyers, but around here most folks just call him Jay. There will be a few Air Force buddies coming along with him when the Swainsboro native pays a visit. As a matter of fact, there will be 61 of them, and together they comprise the United States Air Force Band of the West, from Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Lieutenant Sconyers is responsible for assisting the Unit Commander in leading, organizing, and equipping the squadron as they travel to engagements throughout this area of the United States and abroad on behalf of the 502d Air Base Wing.
On Sunday, March 24, 2024, The United States Air Force Band of the West will travel our way, and along with Associate Conductor Lieutenant Jay Sconyers, the group will appear on the campus of East Georgia State College here in Swainsboro. The 3:00 p.m. concert will feature a program of band classics and a debut performance of a new work by composer Henry Jackman known for blockbuster musical scores for major Disney Productions. Tickets are free and the public is encouraged to attend. Prior to serving in the Air Force, Lieutenant Sconyers was Director of Bands at McNeese State University. He received his doctorate in conducting (2017) from the University of South Carolina, where he studied with Dr. Scott Weiss, and his bachelor’s degree (2009) and Master of Music Education (2011) from the University of Georgia, where he studied trumpet with Professor Fred Mills. Prior to his time in higher education, Sconyers served as the Director of Bands at Elbert County Comprehensive High School in Elberton, GA. He has performed in a wide variety of instrumental and choral ensembles, performing throughout the United States, Germany, Australia, Italy, the Vatican, and China. Jay has served as an associate producer with the USC Wind Ensemble’s album Dynasty on the Summit Label and as a producer and conductor on the McNeese State University Marching Band’s album McNeese Saturday Nights. Lt Sconyers is heavily involved in the marching band and drum and bugle corps activities having previously served on the instructional staff of the University of Georgia Redcoat Band, University of South Carolina Marching Band, several open and world class drum and bugle corps, and is an alumnus of Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps. Currently, he serves as a brass instructor with the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps (2016-present). He is an active music arranger, drill designer, adjudicator, and clinician throughout the United States.
During his earlier school years in Swainsboro, Jay studied under Mrs. Paula Scott, Dr. Gene Hundley, Ms. Stephanie Lawless, and Mr. Barry Golden. He is a 2003 Honor Graduate of Swainsboro High School and is the son of Julian and Norma Sconyers.
