After discovering his passion for teaching at PCHS, the 2022 graduate returns to build on the Raider Regiment’s tradition and inspire a new generation of musicians.
For Geoffrey Barthle, returning to Plant City High School is more than a new job. It is a chance to give back to the community that helped shape him.
Barthle, a Plant City native and 2022 graduate of PCHS, has returned to his alma mater as the school’s new band director. Having once stood on the field himself as a member of the Raider Regiment, Barthle now finds himself on the other side of the classroom, guiding the next generation of musicians.
His connection to music began long before high school.
“I was born and raised in Plant City, spending all of my time here growing up,” Barthle said. “My Grammie taught me piano from a very young age and almost everyone in my immediate family plays an instrument. I was constantly immersed in music; there was not a moment in my life where I can remember music not playing in some form.”
At Plant City High School, Barthle became deeply involved in the band program, eventually serving as drum major during his junior and senior years from 2020-2022.
It was during his senior year that he discovered another side of music that would ultimately shape his career.
When the band’s assistant director left unexpectedly in the middle of the school year, Barthle was given the opportunity to help teach band and orchestra classes, working alongside a substitute teacher in the classroom.
The experience proved transformative.
“This experience of teaching a band and orchestra class was so influential to me and that’s when I knew I wanted to be a music teacher,” he said.
After graduating from PCHS, Barthle attended Stetson University on essentially a full scholarship. His college years provided opportunities to grow not only as an educator, but also as a professional musician.
At Stetson, Barthle performed at Carnegie Hall, toured Costa Rica and performed during March Madness in New York City, among numerous other experiences. He also studied under French horn professor Kathy Thomas, whom he credits with playing a major role in his development as a musician.
“Professor Thomas truly shaped me into the French horn player I am today and has given me so many opportunities to succeed as a professional musician,” Barthle said.
Those opportunities extended beyond the university. Barthle has had professional engagements with Disney World and the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and served as the inaugural conducting apprentice for the Waynesboro Symphony Orchestra in Virginia. In that role, he observed and conducted rehearsals for both the Waynesboro Symphony Orchestra and the Richmond Philharmonic Orchestra.
For Barthle, those experiences are now informing the way he approaches teaching.
“All of these experiences … contribute heavily to the musician side of me, but also speak about the way I educate students,” he said. “Through these experiences, I am able to prepare my students to become successful musicians and even better citizens.”
Returning to PCHS was a natural fit.
Barthle said his familiarity with the school and the Plant City community gives him a unique perspective when working with his students. He understands the culture because he was once a student walking the same halls and participating in the same program.
“I was heavily involved as a student so I know the struggles of the students who walk in the same places I did five years ago,” he said. “I believe this makes me a more effective teacher to my students, as I can tailor my lessons and motivate students to continue to become lifelong music lovers.”
His new position allows him to focus almost entirely on music, teaching three band classes, three jazz band classes and a percussion class.
“I get to do nothing but music all day and I love it!” Barthle said.
One of his biggest immediate goals is to build on the energy and tradition of the Raider Regiment, particularly during marching season.
“I am super excited for marching season!” he said. “The Raider Regiment contributes so much to its community and especially Friday night football games. I can’t wait to see the energy in the stands and on the field from our marching band students.”
As he looks further ahead, Barthle hopes to expand the band’s presence throughout Plant City and create more opportunities for students to perform outside the traditional school setting.
He wants the bands to become more involved in the community and is exploring venues where students can apply what they learn in the classroom in real-world situations. He also hopes to continue bringing professional musicians to campus for masterclasses and maintain the band’s “Jazz Night” tradition, which brings a world-class jazz musician to work and perform alongside students.
The program is also growing in size, and Barthle sees that growth as an opportunity to bring more families and community members into the fold.
One planned trip will take students to visit former PCHS Director of Bands Dr. Joshua Blair, who is now the Director of Bands at Clayton State University. The trip would give students the opportunity to perform in Spivey Hall while also visiting the Georgia Aquarium, zoo and World of Coca-Cola.
At the heart of Barthle’s vision, however, is the culture of the band itself.
He describes the PCHS program as a student-driven organization in which members of the student leadership team play an important role in keeping the program moving forward.
“The students are told all the time that this is their program,” Barthle said. “I am here to mentor, guide, and provide opportunities for the students to be successful.”
That sense of ownership is paired with an emphasis on respect, teamwork and accountability.
“Band members are to respect and help one another, no matter their differences or situations,” he said. “We are a team who takes care of each other, just like how any other successful organization runs.”
Barthle also wants students to understand that while band requires hard work and dedication, it should still be fun — something he believes is central to why students continue participating year after year.
Ultimately, his goals for students extend well beyond performances, competitions and musical ability.
“I want students to make lifelong friendships, become supporters of the arts, and to become better citizens,” Barthle said.
He hopes the friendships students build through band will last long after graduation and that students will continue to appreciate and support the arts, even if they do not pursue music professionally.
Most importantly, he wants the program to help students become better people.
“The world needs more people who practice empathy, listening, understanding, and critical thinking,” Barthle said. “What better way to master those skills than by being in band and playing music?”
As Barthle begins his first season leading the program, he is returning to the place where his own journey as a musician and educator began. Now, his goal is to create those same opportunities for the students who follow him.
And he knows the program cannot do it alone.
“The PCHS band cannot continue to thrive and grow without the support of Plant City families and the surrounding community,” Barthle said.
The PCHS band is a nonprofit organization and welcomes community support throughout the year, whether through donations, attending concerts or supporting the band’s fundraising efforts, including its annual booth at the Florida Strawberry Festival.
For those interested in supporting the program or helping provide opportunities for its students, Barthle can be reached at geoffery.barthle@hcps.net.
