Mr. Christopher Elbing, Director of Bands

Christopher Elbing received his B.M. in Music Education with honors from East Carolina University in
2009. Since 2010, Mr. Elbing has served as Director of Bands at New Bern High School. Prior to NBHS, he was the Associate Director of Bands at Havelock HS. 

Since arriving at NBHS, the band has more than doubled and now includes multiple concert bands, a competitive marching band, and an active winter guard. The New Bern ensembles have consistently earned Superiors at district events and regional festivals and competitions. The winter guard has medaled in Atlantic Indoor Association Championships. In 2018, NBHS Wind Ensemble performed at the NC Music Educators Professional Development Conference, a first in the school's history. 

In 2019, Mr. Elbing was named a Sun Journal "20 Under 40" Award Recipient, given to those in three counties for displaying a commitment to serving the community in both professional and personal capacities, holding several chair positions. 

Mr. Elbing served as the NCBA Eastern District Marching Band committee representative for 4 years and currently serves as the Solo and Ensemble Chairperson.

Mr. Patrick Smith, Associate Director and Director of Percussion

Patrick Smith is the Assistant Director of Bands at New Bern High School. Mr. Smith previously served as Director of Bands at South Effingham Middle School and Assistant Director of Bands at Wayne County High School in Georgia.

Mr. Smith earned his Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Georgia Southern University and his Master of Music in Music Education from The University of Mississippi, where he was a graduate assistant with the Pride of the South Marching Band. Mr. Smith is an active performer, performing with the wind ensembles at Georgia Southern and Ole Miss as well as freelance work.

Mr. Smith is also an active composer and arranger with several published compositions for concert band and has written marching band shows for several bands throughout the Southeast.

Additional Staff

Taylor Babson, Music/Visual Instructor
, Music/Visual Instructor
, Music/Visual Instructor
​,Music/Visual Instructor
 ,Colorguard Instructor