Ariel Hoernke
Dec. 17, 2021
PHOTO BY Ariel Hoernke Mr. Hamiel, shown here during a recent band practice, has a long history of directing bands and has high expectations for EGHS.
Eastern Guilford’s new band director, Mr. Jonathan Hamiel, is a multi-talented man who has done many things to get where he is today. Now working at this school as a bad director he is ready to unveil the talent of Eastern Guilford.
Hamiel first started really taking an interest in band in high school he played the saxophone and was a drum major. His counselor actually told him he should be an auto mechanic because he was good with his hands, and his band teacher told him that he is meant to be a musician and that he should go to school for it. Hamiel took his advice and pursued music. Hamiel got a scholarship to Winston-Salem State University and continued to be a drum major then graduated.
After college, he taught elementary, middle, high school and collegiate bands, as well as orchestra in Winston-Salem. Eventually he was recognized for his talents and being inducted into NCMEA (North Carolina Music Education of America).
Hamiel is president of the NCMEA, which means he is in charge of all elementary, middle, and high school and collegiate performing arts departments. He is also on the national board NAFME (National Association For Music Education).
The students here at Eastern Guilford that want to take band and are taking band now I feel will really benefit from him and his years of experience. The students seem to really have fun in his class. He also really enjoys how much the kids enjoy what they learn and do.
Hamiel can be found on https://www.ncmea.net/ and https://www.ncfme.com