Jason Heard
Jason Heard is currently the Director of Bands at Cleveland High School in Clayton, North Carolina where he directs and manages multiple nationally recognized performance ensembles such as the marching band, winterguard, winter winds, in addition to several concert ensembles. Since the school’s inception, Jason has instilled a high standard of excellence and achievement within the band program at Cleveland. The Cleveland Arts Performance Ensemble has won caption awards and has been named regional finalists at several Music for All and Bands of America events across the country. The Cleveland High School winter ensembles continue to receive national acclaim through participation in Winter Guard International World Championship events. In 2019 The Cleveland Arts Winter Winds were named the WGI Scholastic World champion and gold medalist in Dayton, Ohio. Jason is a native of Smithfield, North Carolina. He graduated with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from East Carolina University in Greenville, NC in 1999; he received his Master of Music in Music Education from East Carolina as well in 2008. Previous teaching appointments include Clayton High School in Clayton, NC from 2000-2006 and Smithfield-Selma High School in Smithfield, NC from 2008-2010. During his tenure, Jason’s bands have consistently received high ratings in marching and concert festivals. He served as Johnston County Band Directors Association President from 2008-2010. In 2008, Heard was a finalist for Johnston County Public Schools’ prestigious “Flame for Learning Award”. Jason has been a pioneer for music education in Johnston County for over 20 years. Jason lives in Clayton with his wife Susan and two sons, Jason Michael and Matthew.
Damon Underwood
Damon Underwood received his Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Western Carolina University and his Masters of Music in Music Education from East Carolina University. He currently serves as band director for Cedar Creek Middle and Franklinton High Schools in Franklin County, NC. He also obtained his National Board Certification in 2008. Prior to Franklin County, Damon has also served as band director, visual designer, and instructor for several successful programs throughout central North Carolina and Virginia. Mr. Underwood is in his 24th year of teaching and has had numerous superior and excellent ratings with bands under his direction throughout the years. His bands have traveled throughout the southeast in competitions and festivals. He began teaching at Cedar Creek Middle in 2011. As a freelance trombonist, Mr. Underwood performs locally and regionally with several musical acts on the East Coast Entertainment roster. His band "Sleeping Booty" is one of the most sought after cover bands and party bands in North Carolina. He has opened for or performed with such acts as Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Chicago, Earth, Wind, and Fire, Wayne Newton, K.C. and the Sunshine Band, Mother's Finest, Buddy Baker, Marvin Stamm, Chris Vidala, and Chubby Checker. He is a former member Magic of Orlando Drum and Bugle Corps and former drum major of Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps and the WCU “Pride of the Mountains” Marching Band.