1997
Announcing
Faculty
Erik W. Harris, Former Director of Bands 1997-2015
Mr. Harris received the Bachelor’s Degree in Brass Performance from East Carolina University in 1997 and became the band director at Northern Nash High School the same year. He received National Board Certification in 2004. Originally from Nash County, Mr. Harris also graduated from Northern Nash High School in 1992.
The Northern Nash Band Program has received only superior ratings at all concert festivals since 2000. The Northern Nash Wind Ensemble has been a featured performing ensemble at the 2004 North Carolina Music Educator’s Association Conference, the 2006 University of South Carolina Band Clinic and was one of only 16 bands nationally invited to perform at the 2006 and 2010 Music For All National Concert Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Northern Nash Wind Ensemble is the only ensemble from the state of North Carolina ever to perform twice at this prestigious event.
An active clinician and guest conductor, Mr. Harris has been the featured guest conductor at the University of South Carolina Summer Band Camp and East Carolina University Summer Band Camp. He has conducted the NC All-Eastern District Band, the NC Christian Schools All-State Band, as well as several All-County Honor Bands across North Carolina.
Mr. Harris was selected as the Nash-Rocky Mount Schools 2005-2006 Teacher of the Year as well as one of only sixteen Regional Finalists in the North Carolina Teacher of the Year competition. Additionally, Mr. Harris received the 2006 NC Bandmaster’s Eastern District Award of Excellence as well as a Citation of Excellence from the National Band Association.
Mr. Harris is a former marching member of The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps having performed with the Cavaliers during the 1992 season helping to clinch the first DCI World Championship in the Corps’ history. Mr. Harris still maintains an active performing schedule as both a trombonist and euphoniumist with the Tar River Symphonic Band and the Englewood Baptist Church Orchestra. Additionally, he enjoys composing and arranging music for the Northern Nash Marching Band as well as various ensembles in North Carolina and Virginia.
