About Us – SOS Warriors

Antoine Miller

Founder, Band Director

The nonprofit Sounds of Success Music Corp. Was founded in 2018 by Antoine K. Miller to bring music performance to the community. From a background in playing instruments since he was a child to joining the iconic FAMU Marching 100’s Band as a college student to teaching music since he became an adult, Mr. Miller has worked in music education for decades.

After marching for three years with the famed Marching 100’s at Florida A & M University in Tallahassee, where he also studied music education, Mr. Miller was appointed Band Director at Kennedy Middle School in Riviera Beach in 2012. In 2016, he created a successful after-school music program at Somerset Lakes Academy. The first-year charter school program began with 15 students, no band instruments, and very little support. Within three months, that amount grew to 50 students. They now had enough instruments to create the slam band, which performed in a host of places. He credits his success to his determination to what has become his mantra: partnering with community leaders and area businesses to garner the support needed to ensure his love for music is shared with anyone who wants to learn.

That mantra helped him launch his nonprofit. Today, the SOS Community Marching Band—also known as the SOS Warriors—works year-round with students aged middle school to adult who perform all over Palm Beach County, the state of Florida, and other locations outside the sunshine state. Under Antoine’s leadership, the band has competed and won many awards.

BAND STAFF

Shantell L. Nesbitt

Co-Dance Director
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Shantell was born and raised in the City of Riviera Beach. Her love for dance started at the very tender age of 3 at her local church in Riviera Beach. Her passion for the love of dance grew from watching her grandmother encourage all the young kids to participate in praise worship dancing at church. That love for dance inspired her to pursue training in African, Liturgical (praise), jazz, funk, hip-hop, modern, step, ballet, and cheer techniques. She joined the Sounds of Success Community Marching Band in 2018. She’s proud that her own children are members of the band, learning in the same city of Riviera Beach.

Shantell L. Nesbitt

Troy Anthony Johnson Jr.

Director of Bands for Lower Brass
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Born in Pahokee Florida but raised in the city of West Palm Beach, he has been a member of a marching band, playing the trumpet, since I started band class in 7th grade. In 2005, Johnson was the assistant section leader his senior year at Palm Beach Lakes High School. He graduated from Florida Career College in 2012 in Computer Technology/Computer Engineer. Troy Anthony Johnson Jr.

Troy Anthony Johnson Jr.

Robert Whitfield

SOS Percussion Director
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Born in the city of West Palm Beach and raised in the city of Riviera Beach, Robert has always been driven by band, football and basketball. He attended John F. Kennedy Middle School where he joined the band his 7th grade year and became section leader of his 8th grade class. He attended Palm Beach Gardens High School, which did not have a traditional style band, therefore football became his focus. He was on the varsity team all 4 years, but connected later in my life with his passion for music. He joined the SOS Community Marching Band starting off as a student and worked his way to section leader, then the assistant percussion director, and currently the percussion director. He teaches students the fundamentals and advanced concepts of playing drums, cymbals, and other percussion instruments. He loves what he does as a director and puts his all into the members of the band so that one day they will succeed in life and be able to reflect on the memories created with the S.O.S Community Marching Band

Robert Whitfield

Tiara Hammonds

HEAD COACH, SOUNDS OF SUCCESS SENSATIONAL DANCERS.
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Born and raised in West Palm Beach, Tiara has been dancing since she was 3 years old. She started dancing with her two sisters and my older brother. It taught her discipline, sportsmanship, diversity, loyalty and heart. She has experience in ballet, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary and African. Dance has allowed her to travel many places and she’s even competed in “World of Dance”, “War Zone”, and “Bring the Heat”. Being a director to her means leading those in the right direction, setting an example for them and having someone to look up to.

Tiara Hammonds

Abasi "Basi" Hanif

African Drumline Director
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Abasi has always been a creative spirit and student of life. He hosts a Hip Hop style open mic called “Homebass” where poets, rappers, comedians, singers, and thespians can showcase their talents. He’s a member of a HipHop group called “Men Of Blackness” and were one of the only local HipHop groups invited to perform Sunfest in 2020 and 2021. He drums for modern, ballet and African dance Classes at Palm Beach Atlantic University. He also hosts weekly drum circles and classes at The Norton Art Gallery and Mandel Public Library. His work has been featured in the Palm Beach Post, Sun Sentinel, NPR and WMBX 102.3. He’s also been nominated for numerous awards including the 2014 Clyde Fyfe and The 2015 African American Achievers Award.