Alumnus Patrick Jones ’13 has been appointed Director of Bands at Hillside High School in Durham, North Carolina, one of the city’s most respected and historically significant music programs.
Patrick Jones’ love for music began in Charlotte, North Carolina, where his grandmother encouraged him and his sister to take piano lessons. While the saxophone is his primary instrument and the French horn is his secondary, Jones has developed a working knowledge of most woodwind, brass and percussion instruments.
Music was a family tradition in the Jones household. His sister played viola and performed as a member of NCCU’s Eclipse auxiliary dancers, and several cousins pursued various instruments.
Discovering a Purpose at NCCU
Jones originally planned to attend Florida A&M University or Jackson State University. Drawn by the sense of community, its proximity to home, and the opportunity for greater personal impact, Jones enrolled at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) to study music education. He participated in the Sound Machine Marching Band and joined Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity.
While at NCCU, Jones formed meaningful relationships with faculty mentors like Dr. Jorim Reid, Ph.D., Samuel Rowley, Ph.D., Lamon Lawhorn, Ph.D., Candace Bailey, Ph.D., and the late Arnold George, who helped shape his understanding of music education and leadership.
“They took this job seriously, and watching their fulfillment in their work inspired me to believe I could do it too,” Jones said.
He also met his future wife, Casey Jones (formerly Casey Mercer), a fellow Sound Machine band member.
From Banking to the Classroom
After earning his degree in 2013, Jones initially worked in the banking industry. However, the pull of music education remained strong.
Jones soon accepted a teaching position at Shepard Middle School in Durham. Over the next nine years, he increased student participation and elevated performance standards. At its peak, the program served nearly 100 students, providing countless performance and travel opportunities.
A Long-Awaited Opportunity at Hillside High School
In fall 2025, Jones will assume leadership of the Hillside High School band program. Recognizing Hillside’s historic significance as one of Durham’s original Black high schools, Jones understands the depth of the band’s influence in the local community.
“It carries a legacy, and I’m honored to contribute to it,” Jones said.
Earning the Respect of Colleagues and Students
Jones’ appointment has earned praise from colleagues. Adia Ledbetter, an NCCU alumna, professor and chorus teacher at Shepard Middle School, offered high praise for Jones’ character and teaching philosophy. “Great band teachers don’t just teach music; they inspire harmony, cultivate creativity, and empower students to find their voice — and Patrick Jones is one of those great band teachers,” Ledbetter said.
“It pushes you to find the best version of yourself,” Jones said, noting that band culture has a unique ability to foster personal growth, self-expression and community connection.
As Director of Bands at Hillside, Jones plans to increase public performance opportunities for his students, from home football games and parades to regional band competitions. He has already received invitations to participate in events across the state, including competitions in Fayetteville, Greensboro, Charlotte and Lexington.
Advice for Future Music Educators
For those considering a career in music education, Jones encourages embracing the full journey — including the challenges of middle school teaching. He credits NCCU faculty mentors for advising him to gain foundational experience working with beginner musicians before pursuing advanced positions.
“Don’t run from the work,” he said. “Remember what it felt like to be a student in band and balance what you wanted with what you needed.”
Jones continues to uplift the programs that shaped him by encouraging the community to do the same. He invites alumni and supporters to invest in the future of music education at Hillside and NCCU.
“There’s always a way to support,” Jones said. “It’s about helping students access the opportunities you had or the ones you once hoped for.”