Fuquay-Varina High School's Matt Edwards is the winner of the 2008-09 Central District Band Director of the Year award presented by the N.C. Bandmasters Association.

The award recognizes the band director who has the best total music education program, which includes marching band, concert band, various solos and ensembles as well as All-District and Honors Band participants, according to Central District President Mary May.

"Matt Edwards is an exemplary band director," said May. "He works hard to provide an outstanding musical experience for all students in all facets of his program. His service to the Central District Bandmasters Association has been commendable and he will serve as our district's president from 2010-12."

The Central District is the largest of the six in North Carolina, covering 12 counties. All high school band directors are eligible for the award and all band students in the region can try out for All-District band.

Four FVHS band students performed in the concert and clinic at UNC-Chapel Hill's Memorial Hall last weekend: Laura Martin (11-12 Wind Ensemble second chair Bass Clarinet), Samantha Barnes (9-12 Symphonic Band first chair Flute), Emily Guy (9-12 Symphonic Band first chair Trombone) and Tarah Cartee (9-12 Symphonic Band fourth chair Clarinet).

"I'm proud of all our students who tried out for All-District and those who earned seats deserve special recognition," said Edwards, who is in his seventh year at FVHS.

"More than 1,000 kids auditioned, so earning a seat is truly an outstanding accomplishment. Our kids put in many hours of dedicated practice, but also go through a pressure-packed audition process that is comparable to college and job interviews they will face later in life."