WSSU Music Department

Congratulations to Winston-Salem State University alum, Christian Orr!!

Welcome to Creek, Director Orr! Last night, we held a meet and greet for our new Director of Bands, Christian Orr.

Mr. Orr, a Native of Staten-Island, NY, born to the parents of Mr. and Mrs. Wilbert and Alesia Orr inherited a love for music at the age 8 when the family moved to Cheraw, SC. He was later raised in Goldsboro, NC where he graduated from Eastern Wayne High in 2008 before moving to Winston-Salem, NC to pursue his college degree. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Winston-Salem State University and later completed his degree requirements to acquire his Masters of Music degree in Trumpet Performance at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Since graduating from these institutions, Mr. Orr is a highly decorated musician and educator bringing 9 years of teaching experience and over eleven years of professional playing in the community. He is completing his 7th year as the band director at North Forsyth High School, teaching various ensembles such as two concert bands, a jazz ensemble, percussion class, orchestra, beginning band, and marching band.

During his time as the director of bands at North Forsyth, he was recently awarded band director of the year, ASBD Ed Rooker Encore Award, two superior ratings at MPA, first place at a major marching band competition, and currently serves as the All-County Jazz chair for Forsyth county. When Mr. Orr is not in the classroom, you can find him in the community performing with various community groups and professional groups.

| WSSU continues to make an impact on a national stage.

Alumnus Jason Freeman will have his musical arrangements featured at the Kentucky Derby this weekend, showcasing the creativity and excellence that define our Rams.

Stories like this reflect the reach of our alumni community and the impact of a WSSU education.

Full story: wssu.edu/news

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Winston-Salem State University's Red Sea of Sound will perform at Intuit Dome for the first time on Thursday as part of the LA Clippers HBCU night. Read more at the link in the comments below.

Winston-Salem State University graduate Keyshawn Tillman of Marshville was named the 2025 Presser Undergraduate Scholar, marking the second consecutive year WSSU has received this prestigious institutional award from The Presser Foundation.

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Read the full story: https://bit.ly/446sQG9

South Carolina HBCU adds new band director A graduate of Winston-Salem State and Alabama A&M is taking over for a fledgling HBCU band in South Carolina.

“What I Wish I Knew”

WSSU Alumni return to share their wisdom with music students.

Mr. Jonathan Hamiel, President of North Carolina Music Educators Association
Mr. Eugene Mabry, K-12 Music Education Administrator

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In the final rankings, top bands are N.C. A&T and Winston-Salem State Who are the best HBCU bands in the land? We rate and explain why in a series of rankings this season. The season is done and so are the ESPN/The Undefeated HBCU…

Check out WSSU's Red Sea of Sound in the Lenoir Christmas Parade 2019.

LENOIR CHRISTMAS PARADE 2019 Lenoir NC Christmas Parade 2019