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Meet our Teacher of the Year!

Mr. Lance Barton

Mr. Barton is a native of Burlington, North Carolina. He received a Bachelor's of Science in Music Education and a Bachelor's of Music from Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC (CULL-O-WEE). During his time at WCU, Mr. Barton served as a section leader and drum major for the "Pride of the Mountains" Marching Band, which has performed at such events as the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Tournament of Roses Parade, and Band of America Grand Championships. He also serves as music director for Onslow Winds, our local community band which is made up of students, professional musicians, military service men and women, educators, and members of the surrounding coastal communities. The ensemble rehearses once a week and provides music for the local communities in Jacksonville, NC. Mr. Barton is currently in his tenth year as Director of Bands, where he has served as the advisor for the Student Council and Tri-M (Modern Music Masters). This year, Mr. Barton has been named Southwest High School's Teacher of the Year for the 2023-2024 school year. This is his second term since first being awarded in 2018. Mr. Barton enjoys hobbies such as tennis, Pokemon, Magic the Gathering, conducting and video games. Jacksonville, NC is currently home and he lives with his Schnauzer Terrier named  Ellie Fitzgerald.