We asked Mrs. Lewis to share her journey, wisdom, and inspiration as a music educator.

What inspired you to become a band director, and how did your journey in music education begin?

My middle school band director, Margaret Wis, inspired me because of her passion and excitement about band. She taught about hard work and success, and also having fun!

What’s one teaching strategy or rehearsal technique that’s made a big difference in your band program?

Classroom management is everything. The more systems and expectations you have in place, the better! It allows everyone to know what is going to happen in your class and trust that you will always have a safe and fun environment in band!

Can you tell us about a moment with your students that reminded you why you love teaching band?

Every day! Even just this week at our Spring Concert, I was reminded how much I love teaching band because of reflecting on the growth of students in the school year. It's always humbling to see this and know that their journey is a part of your journey!

What advice would you give to a first-year band director entering the profession today?

Know what you want to accomplish and plan your goals and lessons very well. The more preparation you put into every day, the easier it is to teach and have fun with the students!

Katie Lewis is in her 16th year as the Director of Bands at Maus Middle School. She taught for the previous 5 years in Plano ISD. Bands under her direction have consistently received UIL “Sweepstakes” awards and have been named “Best in Class and “Most Outstanding Band” at various North Texas music festivals. The Maus Wind Ensemble placed in the Area level Competition of the Honor Band process in the summer of 2024. The Maus Wind Ensemble placed 7th runner-up in the Texas Music Educators Association State CC Honor Band Competition in 2018. In 2023, 2022, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2014, the Maus Wind Ensemble was named a National Winner in the Mark of Excellence National Wind Band Honors Project. They were also named a Commended winner in the same contest in 2024, 2015, and 2013. Mrs. Lewis earned her Bachelor of Music Education degree with Magna Cum Laude and Distinguished Honors from the Honors College at the University of North Texas.

While at North Texas, she performed with the Concert and Symphonic bands. She also served in many capacities with the “Green Brigade” marching band as the band music librarian, drill technician, flute section leader, and as Assistant to the Director. She served as the Vice President of Sigma Alpha Iota music fraternity and helped found the UNT chapter of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.

Mrs. Lewis is an active clinician, adjudicator, and performer in the area. She has presented at the Texas Music Educators Association conference, the Midwest International Band and Orchestra convention, and the Texas Bandmasters Association conference. Mrs. Lewis is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Phi Beta Mu, Texas Music Adjudicators Association, American School Band Directors Association, Sigma Alpha Iota, Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society, and Texas Flute Society. Mrs. Lewis is the Area B TMEA Mentor Program Coordinator and serves as the Region 24 TBA Representative. She also serves as the Region 24 Secretary and is on the state board of TMEA.

Mrs. Lewis currently resides in McKinney with her husband, Nathan, and her sweet sons. Jackson is a 7th-grade horn player in the Wind Ensemble at Maus and Micah who loves to play soccer and piano. Mrs. Lewis and her best friend also co-create a podcast called “Band BFFs,” where they seek to help younger band directors with proper programming for their bands.

Mrs. Lewis teaches the Wind Ensemble, assists with the Symphonic band, assists with the Concert Band, and teaches Beginning Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, and Oboe/Bassoon classes.

What inspired you to become a band director, and how did your journey in music education begin?

I never saw this as a career path for myself when I was growing up. As a kid, I planned to go into law, maybe politics. But when the senior year of high school started, and it was time to start making some hard and fast plans, I remember asking myself what my favorite part of the day was. What was the one thing that I couldn't imagine not having in my life regularly? I was lucky enough to be a member of a wonderful music program, and I spent the majority of my day in band classes, so it really seemed undeniable at that point. And once I made that decision, the next steps were crystal clear. Even though we have many wonderful music programs in North Carolina, because of the time I had spent at the Summer Music Camp and Honors Jazz Band, I knew without question that UNC-Greensboro would be my collegiate home. While there, I interacted with some of the most outstanding musicians and devoted educators I have ever known, and that helped me become the band director I am today.

What’s one teaching strategy or rehearsal technique that’s made a big difference in your band program?

Rehearsal pacing and remembering WHY we are all there. We enter this profession because making music with others is FUN, and if you are not having fun in your rehearsal, then what are you there for? However, in order to keep chaos from ensuing, you need to keep the students engaged, and you need to move quickly. I like to constantly be asking questions, not only about technical things they may be hearing, but also about musical decisions, and helping us shape the piece. If we're not able to work and enjoy the process, then something has happened to our rehearsal, and we need to take a serious look at what needs to change so we can get back to enjoying the work of music-making

Can you tell us about a moment with your students that reminded you why you love teaching band?

Last spring, the Leesville Symphonic Band had the opportunity to perform at the Music for All UCF-Orlando Concert Band Invitational. Being on stage in the beautiful Steinmetz Hall, conducting Charles Ives and Satoshi Yagisawa, is not something I will soon forget. But to make the memory even sweeter, before our performance, we were able to listen to another ensemble performing Maslanka's "Give Us This Day," and my students were transfixed. The moment the final note finished resonating, they were inundating me with requests to read and play the work. Fast forward to this winter, when it was time to select music for the year's assessment festival. The number one requested piece was the Maslanka, and now that we are a few weeks into the preparation process, we are having a great time. The ability level of these young people, and the desire to challenge themselves in the effort to achieve something great, is always an inspiration.

What advice would you give to a first-year band director entering the profession today?

If you wait until "your band is ready" before bringing in a clinician or a mentor, you will never bring anyone in. Making music is a collaborative experience, and teaching can be as well. I'm always reminded of the original Legend of Zelda game, when Link comes across an unnamed old man at the beginning of his quest: "It's dangerous to go alone!" Every music educator was at one point a first-year teacher and remembers how overwhelming it can be to teach, let alone the million other things we are asked to do. So don't waste time, seek out help early and often! Maybe your state or district has a mentorship program in place, and can help put you together with a peer who is eager and willing to assist you and your students in finding success. And when these educators are in the room, remember that you are there to learn from them as much as your students are. Being an effective teacher is not magic; it's about always looking for new tools to put in your bag of tricks, and finding new ways to explain the same thing so that every child can understand. 

Josh Cvijanovic is the Director of Bands and Orchestra at Leesville Road High School in Raleigh, where he oversees all aspects of the instrumental music program. He conducts the Orchestra, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Jazz Band. Prior to joining The Pride, he served as Band Director at Cedar Ridge High School (2014–2022) and Eastern Randolph High School (2009–2014). Ensembles under his direction consistently earn Excellent and Superior ratings at concert, jazz, and orchestra Music Performance Adjudications. His students regularly perform with collegiate, district, and state-level honor ensembles, including the All-American Marching Band, Macy’s Great American Marching Band, NAfME National Jazz Ensemble, and the Grammy Jazz Band.

Mr. Cvijanovic is an active member of the North Carolina Bandmasters Association and the NC Music Educators Association, where he currently serves as the NCMEA Recording Secretary and the High School Member-at-Large for the ECDBA Board. Over the years, he has held multiple leadership roles, including Chair of the Jazz Education Section, Treasurer of the Central Region Jazz Band, Clinic Chair for the CDBA High School All-District Band, and MPA Site Host for the CDBA Central Region. In addition, he is a frequent adjudicator and clinician for concert, jazz, and marching band events across North Carolina. His work beyond the school setting includes serving as a rehearsal assistant and conductor for the UNCG and ECU Summer Music Camps, an Educational Consultant for the Carolina Gold Drum and Bugle Corps, and conductor for the 2017 Carolina Ambassadors Honor Band, which toured the U.K., France, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, and Italy.

A summa cum laude graduate of UNC Greensboro, Mr. Cvijanovic holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education (2007) and a Master of Music in Percussion Performance (2009). His professional affiliations include the American School Band Directors Association (Class of 2022), Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Pi Kappa Lambda, NAfME, NC Bandmasters Association, American String Teachers Association, and the Vic Firth Education Team. His honors include the 2015 Ed Rooker Encore Award from NC-ASBDA, Central District Band Director of the Year in 2020, and the Award of Excellence Recipient from the Central District in 2022.

Josh lives in Raleigh with his wife, Amanda, an MTSS teacher at Fox Road Elementary, and their sons, Henry and Benjamin.

We asked Karen Williams Lanning (NC) to share her journey, wisdom, and inspiration as a music educator.

What inspired you to become a band director, and how did your journey in music education begin?

While I grew up as a piano and vocal kid, my middle and high school band experiences fostered my love for music in new ways. I always knew that I wanted to be a music teacher, and being a part of strong band programs opened my eyes to new experiences, travel, leadership opportunities, team bonding, and the pursuit of excellence as a performer.

What’s one teaching strategy or rehearsal technique that’s made a big difference in your band program?

Warm-ups! As an early teacher, I did not recognize the critical importance of what type of warmups I was utilizing in the classroom and incorporating listening into simple exercises and long tones. Once I began shifting the how and why of warm-ups and emphasizing their importance, the fundamental sounds of the students improved dramatically!

Can you tell us about a moment with your students that reminded you why you love teaching band?

I have a myriad of moments over the course of my career that remind me why I love teaching band. The ones that stand out most involve students being exposed to music and opportunities that they otherwise wouldn't have outside of the band program. Watching my students attend a symphony orchestra concert for the first time, and the expression on their faces is priceless. Watching kids and their gasps as they react to the opening scene of "Phantom of the Opera" while visiting NYC is a moment that I will never forget. Seeing kids from our small rural school playing on the Carnegie Hall stage or marching during the All-American Bowl are both moments where I was overcome with emotion. Being a part of a band program teaches so much more than just notes on a page. It is life-changing.

What advice would you give to a first-year band director entering the profession today?

My advice for first-year directors entering the profession today would be number one: open your band room doors and invite people in. Receiving feedback from experienced directors is the greatest professional development that a new director can participate in. Second, get involved with your local bandmasters association. Talking with other directors about their experiences, asking questions, and just sharing together helps build a support system that is crucial for success.

Retired- Central Davidson High School/Davidson Schools, NC 

We asked Mr. Daugherty to share his journey, wisdom, and inspiration as a music educator.

What inspired you to become a band director, and how did your journey in music education begin?

    "Before I ever knew anything about band, music had already become an important part of my life and a way to navigate challenges I experienced. After joining the band in seventh grade, my two band directors (John Blakemore and, later, Ricky Harris) inspired me to turn that interest in music into a life’s work. From the first few days as a band student, I knew I wanted to become a band director, and that desire never left me. My band directors made a lasting impact not only because they taught music well, but because they cared about us as people and showed us that anything was possible. That experience shaped everything for me.

As I began my own career, I wanted to give my students the same encouragement, joy, and sense of purpose that my band directors gave me. My journey in music education truly began when the band became a safe place, a place where I could face and overcome challenges in my family life. The band room gave me something steady, positive, and full of hope. Music became my family, and I quickly realized that band was a place where I could belong and grow."

What’s one teaching strategy or rehearsal technique that’s made a big difference in your band program?

    "Defining and pursuing quality in the band program is so important. Students rise to the level of what is clearly taught, modeled, and expected. One rehearsal strategy that has made a significant difference for me is a deliberate focus on sound production, especially through long tones, especially when they are not treated as a routine warm-up, but as an active listening exercise.  Long tones should help us focus on how the sound begins, how it is sustained and matched, and how it is released. If students cannot match sound in unison, it becomes much more difficult to achieve balance and blend as the music becomes more complex.  Developing audiation skills is also very important. We can do this by modeling and providing examples of characteristic tone and musical intent, so students have a clear sound concept in their minds. From there, it is important to connect that internal understanding to physical execution. Even something as technical as articulation can be approached this way. For example, when students struggle with tonguing, a simple image like “sound like a water sprinkler” can help them conceptualize the clarity and consistency needed. Without that clarity, especially in early development, students may rely too heavily on just separating notes with air and avoid proper articulation, which limits their ability to perform more technical passages accurately."

Can you tell us about a moment with your students that reminded you why you love teaching band?

    "After years of teaching and serving as an arts education specialist, I thought my time conducting regularly might be over, then the opportunity to lead the Winston-Salem Community Band came along. Getting that opportunity again reminded me how much I love making music with people. It is not just about preparing performances or developing technical skills. It is about helping people, both younger and more experienced, find something meaningful together. Each week in rehearsal, I can see music doing what it does best: bringing people together, helping them grow, and creating a shared experience that stays with them long after the rehearsal ends. That weekly hour and a half on Monday nights has quickly become one of the most meaningful parts of my week."

What advice would you give to a first-year band director entering the profession today?

    "Get professionals into your room as much as possible.  Seek out the older generation and be willing to take their advice.  Go to your State Conference."

    -A native of Ashe County in the northwest mountains of North Carolina, James G. Daugherty has most recently served as the Arts Education and a Digital Learning Specialist for the Davidson County (NC) Schools and is the Director of Cannon Music Camp at Appalachian State University. Prior to these appointments in 2015, he served for twenty-one years as band director and instructor of music theory at Central Davidson High School in Lexington, NC, assisting daily with the band instruction at Central Davidson Middle School. In 2025, he completed his thirty-fifth summer on the faculty/staff of Cannon Music Camp, previously having served as a Dean of Camp for twenty years. In addition to his leadership roles, he was most recently appointed principal conductor of the Winston-Salem Community Band in February 2025.

    In his role with Davidson County Schools, he was responsible for assisting the Assistant Superintendent in developing and implementing all aspects of K-12 arts education. He also partnered with the Director of Federal Programs in the budgeting, implementation, and assessment of funds applicable to support a well-rounded arts education as prescribed by ESSA, specifically funding through Title IV-A. While teaching at Central Davidson, his bands consistently earned ratings of excellent and superior at regional, state, and national music festivals.  In 1996 and 2013, he was named "Teacher of the Year" at Central Davidson High School, and in 1997, for Davidson County Schools a top three finalist for Davidson County Schools' “Teacher of the Year” again in 2013.

     In January 1998, he received the distinguished "Outstanding Young Educator" from the Lexington Jaycees, and in April 2006, was nominated for a "Young Alumnus Award" from Appalachian. In July 2019, Mr. Daugherty was inducted into the prestigious Rhododendron Society in the Reich College of Education at Appalachian State University. As the highest honor given by the college, the award honors alumni for their exemplary service to

education and to their communities. The society recognizes graduates whose service as teachers, librarians, human service professionals, or administrators has reflected credit on themselves, the field of education, and the university.

     Daugherty was named “Outstanding Alumni of the Year” in July 2024 by the Hayes School of Music at Appalachian State University. The Appalachian Alumni Association annually recognizes graduates who have made a lasting impact on society and the university through their outstanding professional, philanthropic, and volunteer accomplishments. College-level awardees are honored for their accomplishments in their respective fields, as well as for their continued service and engagement with the university community.

      His educational background includes a bachelor’s (1993) and a master’s (1994) in music education from Appalachian State University, with additional certification in Education Leadership/School Administration from High Point University (2010). Mr. Daugherty holds professional memberships in the American School Band Directors Association, National Band Association, National Association for Music Education, North Carolina Music Educators Association, National Association for Music Education, North Carolina Bandmasters Association, North Carolina Association of Educators, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Pi Kappa Lambda, Kappa Delta Pi, and Phi Eta Sigma. 

     Daugherty currently serves as Immediate Past President for the Southern Division of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), representing eleven state music education associations within the Division (2024-2026). In addition to his service on the NAfME National Executive Board, he is a member of the Executive Committee of the NEB. From 2015-2017, he served as President of the North Carolina Music Educators Association and is also a Past-President of the North Carolina Bandmasters Association (2012-2014). He was featured in the February 2009 edition of Teaching Music in an article entitled “Accentuate the Positive” and was also listed in December 2009 as one of “50 Directors Who Make A Difference” in School Band and Orchestra Magazine. Daugherty was the 2022 recipient of the “Pat Hall Music Educator Advocate Award” from the North Carolina Music Educators Association. In addition to his other responsibilities, he continues to adjudicate bands and guest conduct when invited to serve.

    In November 2025, Daugherty was honored as the tenth inductee into the North Carolina Music Educators Association Hall of Fame. The NCMEA Hall of Fame honors members who have made an extraordinary contribution to the organization. Election qualifications for this honor include being a member of NCMEA and NAfME for at least 30 years, having a record of excellence in teaching and/or administration, a record of betterment to the profession, and a record of professional ideals and academic integrity.

    Growing up in a small, mountain community, he is the first of his family to achieve a four-year degree. Mr. Daugherty completed his thirtieth year in service to education during the 2023-2024 academic year. Active in the Lexington community, Daugherty sings in his church’s sanctuary choir when possible, having also served for a time as the choir’s interim music director. He is the proud Dog Dad of "Tippy," a six-year-old Bichon Frise.

We asked Ms. Dorsey to share her journey, wisdom, and inspiration as a music educator.

What inspired you to become a band director, and how did your journey in music education begin?

My middle school band director was an absolutely fabulous teacher.  His pedagogy was extremely solid and the best I've seen since then.  I found the inner workings of teaching mesmerizing, and he gave me many opportunities to teach my peers.  It was exciting!

What’s one teaching strategy or rehearsal technique that’s made a big difference in your band program?

In my classroom, we make a habit out of celebrating each other's successes.  Even if the success is a small one, the students still show support for one another. They have become more inclined to help each other rather than push each other down with competition.  They each want to leave a legacy of success behind.  Since we began this culture, I have seen more collaboration between students than ever before.

Can you tell us about a moment with your students that reminded you why you love teaching band?

There was a moment on stage at a spring concert.  The students chose their favorite piece to perform for their parents. It was the most beautiful and musical rendition of "Thus do you Fare My Jesus".  It was even better than their State MPA performance.  Their faces were absolutely glowing. They literally made me cry on stage with their labor of love.  It was a profound moment that I will never forget.

What advice would you give to a first-year band director entering the profession today?

Get professionals into your room as much as possible.  Seek out the older generation and be willing to take their advice.  Go to your State Conference.

Ms. Kelly Dorsey has been the Band Director at Union County High School since 2003.  She spent thirteen years before that at Bell Jr./Sr. High School.  She received her Bachelor of Music Education degree from The Florida State University.  Bands under Ms. Dorsey’s direction have consistently received superior ratings at all FBA-sponsored events.  Ms. Dorsey has served as a guest clinician for numerous band programs and honor bands throughout the state, and as the Conductor for the Florida Small Schools Honor Band in 2008 and the FBA Nine Star Honor Band in 2022.  In addition, she has served the Florida Bandmasters Association as a member of several committees, including the Marching Band Study Committee, State Music Selection Committee, Professional Resources Committee, and chair of the Classification Committee.  She is currently serving as the chair of the Small Schools Committee.  Ms. Dorsey has presented clinics at the FMEA State Convention on “Building Successful Small School Band Programs'',  "The Concert Band Sight Reading Experience", "How to Be Successful at the Concert MPA with Limited Instrumentation" and multiple units of the ASBDA sponsored "How to Fix it Series".  She was selected as “Teacher of the Year'' at Bell High School in 1997-98 and at Union County High School in 2013-2014 as well as the Union County School “District Teacher of the Year” in 2020-2021. She was also awarded the prestigious "Oliver Hobbs Award'' presented by the Florida Bandmasters Association in 2016, and the Legion of Honor Award presented by the John Philip Sousa Foundation in 2024.  Ms.Dorsey is a member of the FBA, FMEA, NAfME, NBA, Tau Beta Sigma-National Band Fraternity for Women, and an elected member of the American School Band Directors Association, as well as Phi Beta Mu, an International Honorary Band Directors' Fraternity.