Chris Elbing, Director of Bands

Mr. Christopher Elbing received his B.M. in Music Education with honors from East Carolina University in 2009.  Since 2010, he has served as Director of Bands at New Bern High School. Prior to his current position at New Bern High School, Mr. Elbing was the Associate Director of Bands at Havelock High School. Since arriving at New Bern High School, the band program has more than doubled and now includes multiple concert bands, a competitive marching band, and an active winter guard. Ensembles have consistently earned Superiors at district events, as well as in regional festivals and competitions throughout the Southeast and New Bern HS students have consistently participated in All-District and All-State Bands, All-Region Orchestra, and the All-American Marching Band. In 2018, New Bern High School Wind Ensemble performed at the NC Music Educators Professional Development Conference, a first in school history.

In 2019, Mr. Elbing was named a Sun Journal "20 under 40"  Award Recipient, given to those in Craven, Jones, and Pamlico county that display a commitment to serving the community in both professional and personal capacities.

Mr. Elbing’s professional affiliations include the National Association for Music Education, the North Carolina Music Educators Association, and the North Carolina Bandmasters Association, and Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Band Fraternity. Mr. Elbing served as the Eastern NCBA Marching Band Committee Representative for five years and the district commissioning chair for four years. Mr. Elbing currently serves as the Eastern District Solo and Small Ensemble Chair.

Kristen Graham, Associate Director

Ms. Kristen Graham received her B.M in Music Education with Honors at East Carolina University. While in college she performed with the Flute Choir, Concert, Marching and Symphonic Band.  While in the Flute Choir and assorted band programs she played both the flute and the piccolo. During her junior year she was elected Corresponding Secretary for the collegiate chapter of NCMEA.

Ms. Graham has worked with multiple band programs over the past few years including South Johnston, North Johnston, and Clayton High School. There she worked as a choreographer, marching, woodwind, and colorguard technician. In addition to her work with her high school alma mater, she has helped coordinate the Johnston County All-County high school auditions for two years. 

Jodi Elbing, Director of Bands at Grover C. Fields Middle School

Mrs. Jodi Elbing is a native of Tucson, AZ. She graduated from East Carolina University with a BM in Music Education.  Mrs. Elbing currently resides in New Bern, NC.

Mrs. Elbing currently teaches at Grover C. Fields Middle School where she has been since 2010. Her bands have consistently received Superior ratings. Prior to her current position, Mrs. Elbing taught as the associate director at Jacksonville High School in Jacksonville, NC. 

Mrs. Elbing’s professional associations include the NAfME, NCMEA, NCBA, and Kappa Kappa Psi. In 2014, Mrs. Elbing was named Grover C. Fields "Teacher Spotlight", given to the school's Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Elbing is an active clarinetist in Eastern North Carolina.

Additional Staff

Taylor Babson, Low Brass
Ashlynn Robinson, Colorguard Instructor 
Adrah Davis, Color Guard Technician
Angel Hope Lorton, Color Guard Technician