BANDS OF ROBINSON STAFF
BAND DIRECTOR - ANDREW CARTER
Drew Carter is in his sixth year as band director at Jay M. Robinson High School in Concord, NC, where he directs the Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Marching Band, Jazz Band, and Percussion Ensemble. Mr. Carter has taught in public middle and high schools in the South Central, Central, and Northwest Districts for eighteen years, earning many accolades, including consistent Concert Band MPA Superior Ratings in Grades II-VI. His Jay M. Robinson Symphonic Band was selected to play as a clinic band for Prof. Dennis Fisher at the 2019 NCMEA Professional Development Convention and as part of 2019 President’s Cup through the U.S. Army Band, “The Pershing’s Own.”
Mr. Carter also conducts the Charlotte Concert Band, a band of professional and dedicated amateur musicians which performs regularly throughout the year at various locations in and around Charlotte (www.charlotteconcertband.org). The band performed at the NCMEA Professional Development Convention in 2008 and for its 50th Anniversary in 2015.
Mr. Carter earned his National Board Certification in Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood in November of 2010, and admittance into the American School Band Directors Association in 2016. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Music (horn performance) from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2000 and his Master of Arts in Teaching from UNC-CH in 2001. He has received further instruction in conducting from Prof. Daniel Cook, Prof. Eugene Corporon, Dr. Donald Hunsberger, Dr. Mark Scatterday, Dr. Mallory Thompson, Dr. Andrew Trachsel, and Dr. Eric Wilson. He is married to his wonderful and supportive wife of fourteen years, Mandy. They live in Cabarrus County with their two sons, Van and Levi.
ASSISTANT BAND DIRECTOR - JERRY GOODNIGHT
Mr. Goodnight has served as the Assistant Band Director for the Pride of Robinson since 2017, previously working for the band as a Brass and Visual Specialist during the 2015 and 2016 seasons.
Mr. Goodnight is the Owner of Goodnight Visual Designs, a visual/program design and consulting business where he has created award-winning show designs, drill, and choreography for programs throughout North Carolina. Previously, Mr. Goodnight has served on the Visual Staff with Music City Drum Corps, and as a Brass and Visual Specialist for multiple ensembles across the state since 2011.
Mr. Goodnight marched trumpet with the 2012 Drum Corps International Silver Medalist Carolina Crown, where the hornline was distinguished with the Jim Ott Award for Excellence in Brass and the corps earned its first Jim Brazale Award for Best Visual Performance. During his time at Western Carolina University, he performed as a member of the "Pride of the Mountains" Marching Band for four years, serving on the student leadership staff for three years, and as a Trumpet Section Leader during the 2013 season. He has also served as Lead/Principal Trumpet for the, Piedmont Primetime Community Band, the Mountain Winds Community Band, and the Blue Ridge Big Band.
Mr. Goodnight, a National Board Certified Middle School Social Studies teacher, attended Western Carolina University from 2010-2013 where he majored in American History with a Minor in Political Science, and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with his Masters of Arts in Teaching degree in December of 2016. When he is not teaching, he enjoys spending time with his wife Katherine (also a trumpet player), son Jack, and dogs Moo and Deacon!
Percussion Instructor - Mr Greg Dills and Walker Deese
COLOR GUARD COORDINATOR - MICHELLE WILSON
Michelle Wilson has dedicated more than half of her life to working with Marching Band and Winterguard programs. Her love and passion for the sport of the arts makes it a true privilege and pleasure to write and teach choreography to so many students over the years. Most importantly, it brings her joy to be a part of each student’s personal journey of growth and accomplishment while guiding, encouraging, and pushing them to become a better performer with each and every day.
When not doing all things band and guard related, Michelle loves spending time with her wonderful, crazy, keep you on your toes, wouldn’t trade them for anything family who graciously deals with all the glitter she brings home from guard! Her husband Daniel, and their two handsome boys, Wesley and Bevin, love going on adventures of all sorts. Biking, hiking, finding waterfalls, kayaking, exploring cities, motorcycle rides, finding new restaurants, cooking and baking, painting, buildings things, and so much more!