Ted Neely has a degree in Music Education Appalachian State University. Before retiring in 2016, he served as Band Director at Foard High School for 25 years and Jacobs Fork Middle School for 5 years. Mr. Neely reentered public school teaching in 2018, accepting the post as Band Director of Mill Creek Middle School in Claremont, NC. Mr. Neely is also the Co-Director of the Newton-Conover Community Concert Band. He lives in Hickory, NC with his lovely wife, Susan. They have two children, Olivia and Emma.