NORTHWOOD BANDS

Welcome to the Northwood HS Band Family! 

Mission

The mission of the Northwood High School Band Program is to make a positive difference in the lives of our students through meaningful musical experiences and performance opportunities. We are committed to developing confident musicians and responsible leaders while fostering excellence, character, and a lifelong appreciation for music.

Brief History

The Northwood High School Bands have been an important part of the Pittsboro community since the school opened in 1972. Founded as part of the newly established Northwood High School in Chatham County, the band program has grown into one of the school’s most recognized traditions of excellence.

Over the decades, the Northwood Bands have built a strong reputation for musical achievement through concert, jazz, and marching performances. Under the leadership of longtime director Eugene Cottrell, the Marching Charger Band earned its first all-superior season in 2002 and continued to achieve numerous competitive successes. In 2004, the program received support from the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation and was recognized as a model for band program development. The Marching Chargers also gained national attention with an appearance at the Yamaha Cup in New Jersey in 2006. 

The tradition of excellence continued under subsequent directors, including Brett Cox, Jason Freeman, and Hagan Zoellers, with the program earning championships and accolades throughout North Carolina and the Southeast. Today, the Northwood High School Bands continue to provide students with opportunities for artistic growth, leadership, service, and lifelong musicianship while proudly representing the Charger community.