Meet the Director, Mr. Tom Shoemaker

Mr. Tom Shoemaker is the Director of Bands at West Forsyth High School in Clemmons, N.C. and is the current Chair for the NWBMA Solo and Ensemble Music Performance Adjudication Festival. Prior to his tenure at West Forsyth, Mr. Shoemaker was the Director of Bands at Forbush High School in East Bend, N.C. Mr. Shoemaker received his B.M. in Music Education and B.S. in Education from Western Carolina University, where he performed with the Wind Ensemble, The Symphonic Band, and The Trumpet Ensemble, as well as in one of the two university sponsored brass quintets. Mr. Shoemaker also participated in The Pride of the Mountains Marching Band, where he was voted “Sophomore of the Year” by his peers in 2017. Prior to his time at WCU, Mr. Shoemaker attended North Henderson High School, in Hendersonville, N.C.

Since entering the teaching profession, ensembles under Mr. Shoemaker’s direction has performed well at a multitude of events, regularly earning Superior ratings at NCBMA sanctioned musical events. Mr. Shoemaker’s marching bands have also demonstrated great success, often winning individual caption awards, their class awards, and band of the day awards. Students under Mr. Shoemaker’s direction have received great individual recognition, having consistently earned placement into All County, All District, and All State Jazz and Concert Honor Bands.

Mr. Shoemaker is active in the marching arts, having marched Drum Corps International with the Jersey Surf in 2014, The Cavaliers in 2016, and The Boston Crusaders in 2018. He worked in an administrative role with The Boston Crusaders in 2019 and The Crossmen in 2021. He returned to his alma mater, The Jersey Surf, as a trumpet instructor for the 2022 season.

Mr. Shoemaker is also member of the North Carolina Music Educations Association, the Northwest Band Masters Association, The Forsyth County Band Directors Association, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity.

When not teaching at West Forsyth, Mr. Shoemaker lives with his wife, Nicole, two cats, Sadie and Inky, dog Chewie, and pet lobster, Pinchers. He is often practicing trumpet or bass guitar and has a small workshop where he does hobbyist trumpet modification and repair. When not doing music related activities, he enjoys fishing, reading, playing video games, or spending time with his wife.