Staff | Warren County HS Division of Bands

Instructional Staff

Mr. Jayson Pender

Mr. Jayson Pender serves as the Director of Bands at Warren County High School.

Mr. Pender is a proud graduate of North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC, where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Music Education. During his time at NCCU, Mr. Pender studied under Mr. Robert Trowers for applied trombone, Dr. Isrea Butler for applied euphonium, Dr. Ralph Barrett for conducting, and Dr. Thurman Hollins and Dr. Quinton Parker for music education studies.

While attending NCCU, Mr. Pender was an active participant in university ensembles as held positions such as Head Drum Major and Student Arranger in the marching band, and Principal Euphonium for the wind ensemble. Mr. Pender also participated in the University Choir as a bass vocalist while at NCCU. Before coming to Warren County, Mr. Pender was the General Music teacher for K-5 students at Northside Elementary in Chapel Hill, NC where he relaunched the music program after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, Mr. Pender is enrolled in graduate studies at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA for his Master’s in Music Education.

Mr. Pender's professional affiliations lie with Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity Inc, the North Carolina Music Educators Association, the National Association for Music Education, and the International Society for Music Education.

Ms. Cherita Smith

Ms. Cherita Smith serves as the Assistant Director of Bands at Warren County High School and Band & Chorus Director at Warren County Middle School.

Ms. Smith is a proud graduate of Elizabeth City State University in Elizabeth City, NC, where she graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Music Performance. During her time at ECSU, Ms. Smith studied under Dr. Floyd L. Robinson, Dr. Gloria Knight, Professor Ivory Brock, and Dr. Christopher Palestrant. Ms. Smith was an active participant in university ensembles such as Sound of Class Marching & Pep Bands, ECSU Symphonic Wind Ensemble, & Collegians Jazz Ensemble and held positions such as trumpet section leader and 2001 All-CIAA Marching Band Participant. Before coming to Warren County, Ms. Smith was the Band Director at Weldon Middle School & Weldon High School Career Academies in Weldon, NC.

Ms. Smith's professional affiliations lie with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc and North Carolina Music Educators Association.