About Mr. C

Matthew Cochran has been the band director at West Alexander Middle School for the past 13 years. A native of Lancaster, Ohio, where his family still resides, Mr. Cochran earned his Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Lenoir-Rhyne University in 2011. He began his teaching career in Alexander County in 2012 as the interim band director at Alexander Central High School before transitioning to West Alexander Middle School in 2013. Beyond his role at WAMS, Mr. Cochran is a highly sought-after clinician throughout North Carolina and directs the AC Cougar Jazz Band. He is also an active musician, performing in several big bands in the region. In 2023, Mr. Cochran achieved National Board Certification, further establishing his leadership in music education within Alexander County and Western North Carolina.