Alyssa Montgomery, originally from Raleigh, North Carolina, graduated in 2012 with a Bachelor of Music in music performance and music education. Currently, she is a band director at Leesville Road High School (LRHS) in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Prior to her appointment at LRHS, Montgomery was the conductor for the Wendell Middle School Band Program where the concert bands and jazz band performed for many in and out of state concerts and festivals – receiving multiple superior ratings. There, she was nominated for the Diane Kent Parker 1st Year Teacher of the Year.
In 2017, she was named an “Ed Rooker” Encore Award winner by the NC Chapter of the American Schools Band Directors Association – given to top band directors in the field with less than seven years of experience.
"I choose Appalachian as my home because it immediately felt like a family from the first moment I stepped on campus. I was a valued part of the University right away. Every professor I met wanted to know more about me and what I thought. They treated me as a colleague on this journey towards growth and learning rather than just another number.
Impacting Education in Her Community
Montgomery is making an impact on education in her community through her love of teaching music to students:
- As the conductor and Director of Bands, Montgomery has led the bands at LRHS to consistent Superior ratings at North Carolina’s Music Performance Adjudication.
- Since her arrival, the band program has almost doubled in size.
- The bands have performed nationwide including San Francisco, New York, Chicago, Atlanta, and Orlando along with invitations for the band to perform with area college wind ensembles and professional groups.
- The LRHS Bands have been featured in the News and Observer, 919 Magazine, and on UNCTV.
- Under her direction, the LRHS Band was invited to perform at the 2017 NCMEA Conference, the 2018 President’s Cup National High School Band Invitational, and the Music for All Southeastern Regional Concert Festival in 2019.
- She has been the host for three Appalachian student teachers during her tenure there and is hosting another Appalachian student teacher this fall!
The Hayes School of Music not only challenged me and pushed me to be better than I ever thought I could be, but it was also a community that I truly enjoyed being a part of. I am so thankful that I chose Appalachian as my college home as it truly helped me grow into the musician, teacher, and young woman that I am today. Thank you Appalachian!"
Alyssa Montogomery
