Home of the
"Fighting Scots" Band Program
The Pride of Scotland County
Matthew A. Jorgensen
Director of Bands
Matthew Jorgensen, originally from Wagram, North Carolina, is the current Director of Bands at Scotland High School in Laurinburg, NC.
Mr. Jorgensen graduated from Scotland High School in 2006 under the direction of Mr. James Cook. While at Scotland, Mr. Jorgensen was a member of the school's highest performing ensemble, the Symphonic Band, for three years and was also in the "Pride of Scotland County's" marching band for four. While in the marching band, Mr. Jorgensen was a section leader for two years and also brass captain his senior year and received the Director's Award for Band.
Mr. Jorgensen is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. While at UNC-Pembroke, Mr. Jorgensen was a part of many various enembles including the UNC-Pembroke Trumpet Studio, University Wind Ensemble, Concet Choir, Pembroke Singers, the UNC-Pembroke Low Brass Ensemble, the "Spirit of the Carolina's" Marching Band, UNC-Pembroke Pep Band and the UNC-Pembroke Jazz Ensemble. Mr. Jorgensen was a trumpet major and studied under Dr. Timothy Altman. Works played by Mr. Jorgensen include Eric Ewazen's Sonata for Trumpet and Piano, Concerto in Eb Major by Neruda, Sonata for Trumpet and Piano by Kent Kennan, and many other pieces. Mr. Jorgensen graduated with honors and was also a brother of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America. As a member of the Eta Beta Chapter, Mr. Jorgensen held the offices of Treasurer, President, and also served on the Province Dues Committee. Mr. Jorgensen did his student teaching with Jim Muccio at Pinecrest High School.
Mr. Jorgensen originally taught at North Lenoir High School in La Grange, North Carolina. There, Mr.Jorgensen drastically improved conditions of the classroom and of the student performance organizing the school's Rhythm and Blues Ensemble and also taking the group to the NCBA MPA Festival for only the second time and achieving the school's highest rating ever. Mr. Jorgensen helped return the school's marching band to playing on Friday night football games and also helped bring back the school's pep band to basketball games. Mr. Jorgensen was responsible for organizing many of the school's outside performances at many locations in Lenoir County and also helping to organize the first High School All County Band in over three years.
Mr.. Jorgensen taught at South View High School in Hope Mills, NC for five and a half years. While at South View, the Tigers Marching Band won Grand Champion at many competitions in SE North Carolina and never received less than a "Superior" rating at any competition. Mr. Jorgensen took the bands to the Russell Athletic Bowl in Orlando, FL in 2012 and New York in 2014. The Wind Ensemble at South View received a "Superior" in Grade VI in 2012 and in Grade IV in 2015. Students from South View made the Cumberland County All County Band every year and there were students from South View represented in the SEDBA All-District Band as well. In 2015, Mr. Jorgensen placed 2nd in the Fayetteville Observer Readers' Choice Awards in 2015 for Best School Band Director and was the Q98 Teacher of the Week in July 2015.
Mr. Jorgensen is currently an active member of NAfME, NCBA, and the SEDBA.
Mr. Jorgensen is very happy to be in his new home of Laurinburg, North Carolina.
