Nicholas "Nick" Stanley, Director of Bands

Mr. Stanley joined the staff at PCHS in August of 2019. Mr. Stanley is a graduate of Pasquotank County High School (2014), holds a Bachelor of Music Education (2019, Cum Laude), and a Master in Music Education (2023), both from East Carolina University. While at PCHS and ECU, Mr. Stanley played trumpet in various ensembles. Under Mr. Stanley's direction, bands at Pasquotank have received "excellent" and "superior" ratings at MPA, high scores and top finishes in class at marching band competitions, and numerous performances in the Elizabeth City area - including multiple performances at the North Carolina Potato Festival. Mr. Stanley was the PCHS Beginning Teacher of the Year for the 2020-2021 School Year and was the PCHS Teacher of the Year for the 2023-2024 School Year.

Outside of being the Director of Bands at PCHS, Mr. Stanley has been a church musician at Pearl Street Pentecostal Church in Elizabeth City for 20 years, and a volunteer firefighter with the Pasquotank-Providence Vol. Fire Dept. Mr. Stanley is also a sports fanatic, especially college athletics. He holds memberships with NCBA, NCBAe, NAfME, and several other organizations.

Caron James

Head Drumline/Percussion Instructor

Mr. James is also a graduate of Pasquotank County High School (c/o 2016). Mr. James is entering his 5th year as the drumline/percussion instructor.

Mr. James' background also includes performing as a member with North Carolina A&T's Blue & Gold Marching Machine. Mr. James is also a composer and arranger for the PCHS Drumline. He currently resides in Hertford, NC.

Samantha Griffin

Color Guard Instructor

Ms. Griffin is a graduate from Pasquotank County High School (2014); Holds a Bachelors of Arts in Business Administration (2019) where she graduated from Chowan University. While at PCHS, Ms. Griffin played Flute in various ensembles and after graduation, played at Chowan University. She later joined the Color Guard Team (Royal Elegance) in college and upheld the Captain position of the team for 4 years. Prior to joining PCHS BAND staff, after graduation, Ms. Griffin became the Coach of the Royal Elegance Team of Chowan University.

Ms. Griffin enjoys spending time with her daughter all while coaching and dancing. She is looking forward to becoming an Instructor of her own Dance Studio and hopes to one day be able to teach her daughter all that she has learned. Ms. Griffin is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated.

Makenzie Schurr

Drum Major Instructor

Ms. Schurr is a graduate of Pasquotank County High School (2021) and holds an Associcates Degree from The College of The Albemarle.

While at Pasquotank, she played clarinet, alto saxophone, and baritone saxophone. She also served in various leadership roles, including as the Junior Drum Major and Senior Drum Major. Ms. Schurr has been part of the band staff for the past two seasons.

Gracie Chesson

General Effect Instructor

Ms. Chesson is a graduate of Pasquotank County High School (2023) and The College of The Albemarle (2024) where she earned her Associate Degree. She is attending NC State University studying psychology and playing in one of the University's bands.

While at Pasquotank, Ms. Chesson played flute in the marching & symphonic bands and electric bass in the Panther Jazz Collective. She also served as the woodwind captain her senior year. Ms. Chesson has an extensive background in dance, which has been a part of her life for over 12 years. She has been part of the staff with the PCHS Bands for 2 seasons.

Tyler Herzing

Assistant Percussion Instructor

Mr. Herzing is a graduate of Pasquotank County High School (2022) and currently attends East Carolina University. He is currently studying music composition & is an active member of the ECU Percussion Studio under Dr. Quintin Mallette.

While at Pasquotank, Mr. Herzing was a section leader, an All-District & All-State Percussionist, and involved in all ensembles at PCHS. He has been involved with the PCHS Bands for 2 seasons.

Will Lane

Sound Engineer

Will Lane is a musician and sound engineer from Elizabeth City. He regularly performs with Wayne P. Jame's jazz group, Connected, as well as regularly performing and audio engineering for Towne South Church of Christ and many other churches in eastern North Carolina. He has also performed at the Carolina Christian Youth Conference, SonRise Music Festival, and the Potato Festival.

You can find Will's music on his Instagram page.

Page updated

Report abuse