Rebecca Clemens Named 2025 Band Director of the Year by Central District Bandmasters Association PITTSBORO, N.C. — Chatham County Schools is proud to announce that Ms. Rebecca Clemens, Band Director at Margaret B. Pollard Middle School, has been named the 2025 Band Director of the Year by the Central District Bandmasters Association (CDBA). Each year, this prestigious honor is awarded to a music educator who exemplifies excellence in teaching, leadership in the music education profession, and meaningful service to students and professional organizations. Ms. Clemens was selected by her peers from across the Central District, which encompasses thirteen counties from Guilford to Warren. CDBA cited numerous achievements from the 2024–2025 school year as part of Ms. Clemens’ recognition. Highlights include: The Margaret B. Pollard Middle School Band’s selection and performance as a featured ensemble at the North Carolina Music Educators Conference in November; A Superior rating earned by the 8th Grade Band at the March Concert Band Music Performance Assessment (MPA); A thrilling performance by the Pollard Jazz Band at the Jim Ketch Jazz Festival in May; Dozens of students selected for distinguished honors, including All-County Band, All-District Band, All-Region Jazz, All-State Jazz, and NC Honor Band. In addition to her extraordinary work in the classroom, Ms. Clemens has served as a leader within the Central District Bandmasters Association, currently holding the role of Jazz Chair and previously serving on the Board as Member-at-Large. “Ms. Clemens exemplifies what it means to be an educator, mentor, and leader,” said Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson. “Her passion for music education and unwavering dedication to her students make this recognition incredibly well-deserved. We are fortunate to have her as part of our Chatham County Schools family.” Ms. Clemens will be honored with an engraved plaque at an upcoming event later this year. Chatham County Schools extends its heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Clemens and thanks her for her outstanding contributions to our district and the broader music education community. For more information about Chatham County Schools, visit www.chatham.k12.nc.us. For more information about the Central District Bandmasters Association (CDBA) visit www.nccdba.com.

Rebecca Clemens Named 2025 Band Director of the Year by Central District Bandmasters Association

Chatham County Schools

May 23, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 23, 2025

Pictured: Ms. Rebecca Clemens
Photograph credited to The Department of Music at UNC Chapel Hill

PITTSBORO, N.C. — Chatham County Schools is proud to announce that Ms. Rebecca Clemens, Band Director at Margaret B. Pollard Middle School, has been named the 2025 Band Director of the Year by the Central District Bandmasters Association (CDBA).

Each year, this prestigious honor is awarded to a music educator who exemplifies excellence in teaching, leadership in the music education profession, and meaningful service to students and professional organizations. Ms. Clemens was selected by her peers from across the Central District, which encompasses thirteen counties from Guilford to Warren.

CDBA cited numerous achievements from the 2024–2025 school year as part of Ms. Clemens’ recognition. Highlights include:

  • The Margaret B. Pollard Middle School Band’s selection and performance as a featured ensemble at the North Carolina Music Educators Conference in November;

  • A Superior rating earned by the 8th Grade Band at the March Concert Band Music Performance Assessment (MPA);

  • A thrilling performance by the Pollard Jazz Band at the Jim Ketch Jazz Festival in May;

  • Dozens of students selected for distinguished honors, including All-County Band, All-District Band, All-Region Jazz, All-State Jazz, and NC Honor Band.

In addition to her extraordinary work in the classroom, Ms. Clemens has served as a leader within the Central District Bandmasters Association, currently holding the role of Jazz Chair and previously serving on the Board as Member-at-Large.

“Ms. Clemens exemplifies what it means to be an educator, mentor, and leader,” said Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson. “Her passion for music education and unwavering dedication to her students make this recognition incredibly well-deserved. We are fortunate to have her as part of our Chatham County Schools family.”

Ms. Clemens will be honored with an engraved plaque at an upcoming event later this year.

Chatham County Schools extends its heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Clemens and thanks her for her outstanding contributions to our district and the broader music education community.

For more information about Chatham County Schools, visit www.chatham.k12.nc.us. For more information about the Central District Bandmasters Association (CDBA) visit www.nccdba.com.


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Contact:
Jessica Pasión
jpasion@chatham.k12.nc.us
468 Renaissance Drive
Pittsboro, NC 27539
Phone: 919.542.3626


About Chatham County Schools
Chatham County Schools serves more than 8,900 students across 20 schools in central North Carolina. With a commitment to excellence, equity, and engagement, the district works in partnership with families and the community to prepare ALL students for success in college, careers, and life.




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Download the press release here.