Ashleigh Cook

Ms. Ashleigh Cook is the band director at Northwest School of the Arts in Charlotte, North Carolina. Ms. Cook earned her bachelor's degree in Music Education from Western Carolina University where she graduated with honors. Prior to her appointment at Northwest School of the Arts (Fall 2021), she served as the Assistant Band Director at Porter Ridge High School for three years and as the Band and Chorus Director at Cherryville High School for seven years. Both Porter Ridge and Cherryville Bands regularly earned excellent and superior ratings at MPA, marching contests, and solo & ensemble. Ms. Cook’s students are regularly seated in county, district, and state honor bands.

While at Cherryville Ms. Cook was awarded Kia Outstanding Educator of the Year, Teacher of the Year, Band Director of the Year for Gaston County Schools, and the Young Band Director of Excellence Award for the South Central District Bandmasters Association. In 2018, Ms. Cook earned her National Board Certification for Professional Teaching Standards in Music, and she is currently pursuing a master's degree in music education at East Carolina University. She has served as an honor band clinician and site host for Solo & Ensemble MPA and All District Auditions for the South Central Bandmasters Association. Ms. Cook recently began serving as chair-elect for South Central District Bandmasters Association (SCDBA).

Ms. Cook’s professional memberships include National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Women Band Director International (WBDI), American School Band Directors Association (ASBDA), North Carolina Music Educators Association (NCMEA), and South Central District Bandmasters Association (SCDBA). Ms. Cook performs with Carolinas Wind Ensemble.