Jack Pindell began his
teaching career in New Hanover County
in 1960,
after graduating from East Carolina College
(now East Carolina University.) He was granted a one-year leave of absence to
accept an assistantship at ECC to teach trombone while completing a M.A. in
music education and administration.
After returning to New Hanover County,
he taught elementary and junior high bands and assisted at New Hanover
High School. He served as the first band director when John T.
Hoggard High
School opened in 1967. During this time, he also served as the
instrumental music supervisor for the county schools. During his tenure at Hoggard High School,
his grade VI bands consistently received superior ratings at the NC State Band
Contest. He consistently placed high
numbers of students in the All-District Band Clinic. He received the NCBA Eastern District Award
of Excellence in 1980. He previously
served as Chairman of the NCBA Eastern District and Secretary of the NCBA.
Mr. Pindell was an active
contest judge and clinic conductor. He
served as Supervising Teacher for twenty-five student teachers from ECU and
UNC-W. After retirement from teaching, he was
employed by a major music company as Education Director and Road
Representative. In his final retirement,
Jack is still active in his church, teaching private lessons, volunteering in
area schools and playing trombone and trumpet in several combos.
Jack and Julie, his wife of
53 years have a son, two daughters, and six grandchildren. He and Julie also fostered ten foster
children. He considered all of the
children he taught during his thirty years of teaching as “his kids.” He is affectionately known as “Papa Jack.”
Nominated by Deborah Phillips