Mike Aymett
Dr. Michael Aymett is a veteran educator with 28 years of experience, including the past 24 years as Director of Bands at Riverdale High School. A native of Knoxville, Tennessee, he earned the Bachelor of Music and Master of Arts degrees from Middle Tennessee State University and the Educational Specialist and Doctor of Education degrees from Carson-Newman University.
An accomplished saxophonist, Dr. Aymett performs in a wide range of styles, from classical to Latin and jazz. He previously taught in Nashville and at Mt. Pleasant High School, where he served as Director of Bands for three years, teaching grades 5–12. Under his leadership, students consistently distinguished themselves in both concert and marching band performance. Professionally, Dr. Aymett has served as Coordinator for the Rutherford County Honor Bands; Chairman of the MTSBOA Honor Bands; TMEA Conference Performing Group Auditions Chair; a member of the MTSBOA Executive Board; and a member of the MTSU Band of Blue Club Board of Directors. His prior service also includes Equipment Chairperson for the 2000 and 2001 TMEA Conference and host committee member for the 2002 National MENC and the 2009 ASBDA Conferences in Nashville. Currently, he serves as High School Instrumental Music Curriculum Lead for Rutherford County Schools.
Dr. Aymett is an active member of the Tennessee Music Education Association, National Association for Music Education, Tennessee Bandmasters Association, National Band Association, Phi Beta Mu International School Bandmaster Fraternity, American School Band Directors Association, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
Nick Efstathiou
Nicholas C. Efstathiou is a nationally recognized music educator, performer, and arranger with over 20 years of experience in band leadership, curriculum development, and student mentorship. A 2025 recipient of the Country Music Association Foundation Music Teacher of Excellence award, Nicholas has built a career on empowering musicians and students to lead with skill, confidence, and purpose.
Currently serving as Associate Band Director at Riverdale High School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Nicholas brings energy, precision, and vision to every rehearsal, composition, and collaboration. His career includes directing programs in Georgia and Florida, leading ensembles to performances at the Orange Bowl Parade, Chicago’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Con Brio Festival in Whistler, Canada, and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland. He has served as a clinician and adjudicator for national band events through WorldStrides Performing Arts Festivals at the Sugar Bowl and the Pop-Tarts Bowl.
Nicholas holds an Education Specialist degree in Music Education from Piedmont University, along with a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree from Troy University. He serves on the board of the Southeastern United States Honor Band Clinic at Troy, furthering his impact on music education at the regional level.
As the founder of Music City Live, LLC, Nicholas merges his educational expertise with a passion for live performance and streaming technology. His mission is to empower independent musicians, content creators, and educators by providing high-quality tools, training, and e-commerce support, helping them grow their craft and reach audiences with confidence.
Whether he’s coaching student leaders, managing a gear consultation, or producing a livestreamed performance, Nicholas is driven by a simple goal: to equip others to create boldly and lead with purpose.
He currently resides in Murfreesboro with his wife, Kelly, and their two children, Alayna and Ace
Band Staff
Olivia Starnes
Olivia Starnes joined the Riverdale Band staff in the fall of 2022 after graduating months prior. In 2023, she transitioned into the role of Color Guard Director.
Olivia was a member of the Riverdale Color Guard and Winter Guard from 2019-2021, receiving a silver medal during the winter season of 2021. The following winter season, she competed independently with Eklipse Winter Guard, earning a gold medal at state championships and a silver medal at WGI World Championships in open class. From 2023 to 2025, Olivia continued performing in world class with Eklipse Winter Guard and teaching guards in Tennessee and Kentucky.
In 2024, Olivia was a recipient of the WGI Emerging Voices Award and joined the Future Leaders Program.
During the summer of 2025, Olivia joined the Battalion Drum and Bugle Corps, earning a bronze medal in DCI Open Class Finals.
Caleb Littleton
Caleb Littleton is a music teacher and percussionist in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He was a music specialist at Salem Elementary from 2019-2022 and will serve as the commercial music teacher and percussion director for Riverdale High School. As a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, he has previously taught Western Kentucky University‘s Big Red Marching Band Drumline, Tullahoma High School Drumline, Rockvale High School Drumline, and Stewart’s Creek High School Percussion. His musical interests include playing drum set, marching percussion, concert percussion, and music technology. He can be found regularly playing drums for LifePoint Church where he serves as a deacon with his wife Mikaela. Outside of music, he spends his time with his puppy, Gracie, and loves to learn new hobbies like speed cubing.
