Mary Kathryn Bowman Choat is in her seventh year as the director of bands at Hanes Magnet School in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.  Her bands at Hanes have consistently earned “Superior” ratings at state contests and more than 500 students under her direction have earned placements in honors ensembles throughout the state.

 

She was awarded the American School Band Directors Association’s (ASBDA) Encore Award in 2016 and the WS/FCS "Band Director of the Year" in 2017.

 

Mary Kathryn received her Bachelor of Music Education degree from Appalachian State University where she played on the ASU Women’s Varsity Golf Team. She received her Masters of Music Performance degree from the University of Texas under the instruction of Dr. Nathaniel Brickens.

 

Mary Kathryn performs regularly throughout North Carolina in many professional ensembles including Winston-Salem's only "big band" - Camel City Jazz Orchestra, the Piedmont Wind Symphony, and the North Carolina Brass Band.  

 

Mary Kathryn and her husband Colin live in downtown Winston-Salem.  In her spare time, she is an avid marathon runner and triathlete. She also coaches the girls golf team at Reagan High School.