Our band staff is committed to developing not only talented musicians and performers, but confident leaders and well-rounded students. Through passion, structure, and mentorship, we work together to create an environment where every student has the opportunity to grow, succeed, and proudly represent Buck Nation both on and off the field.
Jeremy Ross - Band Director
Mr. Jeremy Ross was born and raised in Hoke County. Mr. Ross is a graduate of Hoke County High School. He is from the class of 2004, where he was a member of the marching band, corps style at the time, during his high school tenure under the direction of Al Strickland.
Upon his high school graduation, he attended Fayetteville State University studying Music. He graduated with his bachelor’s in the Music Education program in 2010. During his career in K-12 education, he has taught at Lamar High School, Balden County Schools, West Hoke Middle School, and Westover High School. He was extremely excited and honored to be able to return to Hoke County Schools in November 2023, the very district that educated him and developed his love for the HCHS band program. He has a passion for teaching fine arts to students and continues to grow in music education as an educator.
Mr. Ross resides in Hoke County with his wife and three children! He loves biking, watching movies, and being with family! He hopes that all his experiences and passion will be a great help to his students and inspire them to become lifelong learners of music!
Ryan Smith - Assistant Band Director
Ryan Z. Smith, a native of North Carolina. He is a graduate of Hoke County High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education with a concentration in Percussion from Fayetteville State University. Later, he took on the role of Percussion Instructor at Pine Forest High School in Fayetteville, NC, where his leadership led the group to earn multiple first-place awards at local, regional, state, and national competitions.
Mr. Smith completed his practicum and student teaching at E.E. Smith High School, where he helped the band prepare for the Music Performance Assessment, achieving Superior Ratings for both Concert and Symphonic Band performances. In 2019, he served as a guest conductor at the HBCU National Band Directors Consortium in Atlanta, GA. Today. Mr. Smith is currently the assistant band director for Hoke County High School and the Band Director at East Hoke Middle School, where his bands have consistently earned Superior Ratings at various music festivals.
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