Madison Argo, who recently began his second year as the director of Wheeler High School’s band program, has died.
A Cobb County School District spokeswoman confirmed the death, but provided no other details.
“We mourn along with the Wheeler High School community following the passing of the school’s band director,” she said in response to a request for information from East Cobb News.
“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those who are grieving. School counselors will continue to be available to support students and staff during this difficult time.”
Cobb schools were out this week for fall break and the Wheeler marching band also has the week off since the Wildcats football team is idle.
Wheeler’s marching band recently was the only local high school to participate in the EAST COBBER parade.
Wheeler’s band program includes the Wildcat Pride marching band, three large ensemble classes, colorguard, drumline, jazz band, and pep band.
According to his official school biography, Argo came to Wheeler after holding a similar position at a high school in Texas. He also was an associate band director at Whitewater High School in Fayetteville.
Argo was a 2014 graduate of Auburn University, where he was the drum major, and earned a master’s in fine arts degree from Ball State University in 2021.
Argo also has performed with the Cobb Wind Symphony and Emory Wind Ensemble and was a member of various music education organizations.
He also on the music staff for the Macy’s Great American Marching Band in the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The Wheeler PTSA issued a statement early Friday evening saying that Argo “made a positive impact on the lives of so many students and staff during his time at Wheeler, and he will be deeply missed.”
The Lassiter High School band program expressed condolences on its Facebook page.
“Madison was a diligent educator, passionate musician, and a friend to many,” the Lassiter message stated. “He will be missed dearly.”
The Ball State band program said on its Facebook page that Argo, who earned his master’s degree there in wind conducting while serving as a graduate assistant, was “a dedicated member of the BSU staff and a tremendous asset to the BSU Band program. Madison’s sense of humor and boundless energy was contagious.
“Madison’s spirit will live on through his students, colleagues, and friends.”
Auburn band director Corey Spurlin issued a statement on Instagram, saying “Madison’s integrity was beyond reproach and was one of the most outstanding students I have had the pleasure of working with during my tenure at Auburn. . . . He loved his family, his band students, music, wrestling, and Auburn. He was a truly great Auburn man, and he will be missed.”
The Wheeler Band Booster Club said that “our hearts are broken, and we want to help as well” by setting up a fundraising account for Argo’s funeral expenses.
The proceeds will go to his father and sister.
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