Robert J. Cowles served as Director of Bands at Walton High School in Cobb County since the school's opening in 1975. Prior to his arrival at Walton, Mr. Cowles had positions at Griffin Middle School (Smyrna, GA) and Grady High School (Atlanta, GA). Bands under his direction had received consistent superior ratings for over 20 years. At his retirement in 1999, the Walton Band Program consisted of the marching band, four concert bands, and two jazz ensembles. The bands at Walton have performed as guests of Valdosta State University, the University of Georgia, and Florida State University. The marching band has also performed in Thanksgiving Day parades in Philadelphia and New York (Macy's).

Mr. Cowles received the Bachelor of Music, Masters of Music Education, and Education Specialist degrees from the University of Georgia. He has served the Georgia Music Educators Association in many capacities over the years - District Instrumental Chair, District Jazz Chair, Vice President, GAJE, All-State Organizing Chair, State Marching Band Chair, Phi Beta Mu Secretary/Treasurer and on the State Music Selection Committee. His professional affiliations include MENC, IAJE, NBA, Phi Mu Alpha, Phi Beta MU, Phi Kappa Phi, Kappa Delta Pi, Who's Who in American Education and Who's Who Among American Teachers. He has served as clinician and adjudicator in Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Massachusetts. Mr. Cowles was named to the John Philip Sousa Foundation's Legion of Honor as one of America's 10 best band directors in 1998 and was named Georgia Music Educators Association outstanding educator in 1998. Mr. Cowles currently teaches saxophone at the Lovett School and Woodward Academy in Atlanta and is the band director at Mill Springs Academy in Alpharetta.