Cobb Band Director Dies, Remembered As A 'Dedicated Leader'

MARIETTA, GA — More than $15,000 has been raised for a Cobb County band director who recently died of an unknown cause.

According to a GoFundMe, Madison Argo was in his second year as band director at Wheeler High School. 11Alive reported Argo was 32-years-old.

"We mourn along with the Wheeler High School community following the passing of the school's band director. 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 County Schools said in a statement.

The Wheeler Band Booster Club organizing the GoFundMe, which has surpassed its $15,000 goal, is gathering donations to help with funeral expenses and expenses incurred with transporting family from overseas.

"In only his second year at Wheeler, Madison was a dedicated leader, bringing with him a passion for music and marching from his years with Auburn University, Whitewater High School, Ball State University and Rowlett High School," organizers said on the GoFundMe.

" ... Mr. Argo, thank you for your dedication to our students. We miss you and hope to make you proud this marching band competition season."

According to his school profile, Argo oversaw Wheeler's entire band program.

He was originally from Alabama, obtaining a bachelor's degree in music education from Auburn before earning a master's degree in wind conducting from Ball State in Muncie, Indiana.

Argo previously served as the associate band director at Whitewater High in Fayetteville and led the school's Jazz Catz, which he was credited for establishing.

"His tenure at Whitewater was highlighted by taking the Wildcat marching band to perform in the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Dublin, Ireland, and a performance at Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World (Orlando, Florida)," read the profile.

Other accolades included performing five seasons as a Cobb Wind Symphony member, as well as performing at the Midwest Clinic, the College Band Director’s National Association Conference (Southern Division) and at the Georgia Music Educators Association In-Service Conference.