Music Department
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MUSIC forms a special part of the Northwest community. With a mission to provide a world-class music education, our music teachers inspire and encourage students to develop resilience, grow and excel. Student musicians at NWSA benefit from a collaborative team of experienced instrumental and vocal instructors and a wide range of performance possibilities. Within the four tracks of study—or majors—are several core large ensembles such as concert band, orchestra/string ensembles and choirs. Extension opportunities include jazz ensemble, music theory, chamber music and more. Instrumental music students in our instrumental recital seminar class have the unique opportunity to work with Charlotte Symphony Orchestra musicians throughout the school year.
Musicians can pursue one of four different majors:
- Orchestra (strings)
- Band (winds and percussion)
- Chorus (opens in new window)
- Piano (opens in new window)
Booster Information:
- Band and Orchestra Boosters (opens in new window)
- Choral Boosters (opens in new window)
- Piano Boosters​ (opens in new window)
Music Teachers
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Ashleigh Cook
Ms. Cook is in her second year serving as the band director at NWSA, and 12th year teaching. She teaches all NWSA concert bands (6-12), jazz band (9-12), percussion ensemble (9-12), AP music theory (10-12), and prepares instrumental musicians for the high school spring musical.
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Erica Hefner
Orchestra Director, Music Department Chair, NBCT
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Aaron Lafreniere
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Stephanie Madsen
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Kristin Stonnell
This is my 23rd year teaching piano at NWSA, where I started as a first year teacher. I handle all things related to piano, including training accompanists to play with our choirs or in the pit for musicals.
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Robin Ayers, Student Teacher
Ms. Ayers is a student teacher from Appalachian State University, student teaching in the orchestra department, under Ms. Hefner.