Marching Band Staff

Mr. Campbell is a recent graduate of Campbell University ('23), earning his bachelors degree in Music Education with Teaching Licensure. Mr. Campbell began his educational career just down the road at Mitchell Community College. There, he received his Associates Degree in Fine Arts. He then transferred to Campbell University to finish his degree in Music Education. At Campbell, he participated in Marching band, pep band, small ensembles (brass ensemble), Jazz Band/Combos, and performed solo concerts. Mr. Campbell has also had numerous performing experiences in different communities all around the state such as the Statesville Community Band, Lake Norman Orchestra, and other ensembles.

Chris Leeper is an Educator, Trumpet Player, and Composer/Arranger from Hickory, NC. In May of 2019, he completed his undergraduate degree at Western Carolina University in the field of Music Education, with a certificate in Music Technology. During his time at WCU, he participated in various ensembles such as the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Trumpet Ensemble, and many others. Mr. Leeper also served as trumpet section leader for the Pride of the Mountains Marching band for 3 years. Additionally, he has performed with groups such as the Asheville Jazz Orchestra, Blue Ridge Big Band, Frank Love Orchestra, and the Lenoir-Rhyne University Jazz Ensemble. Mr. Leeper’s previous instruction experience includes work with the Tuscola, Salisbury, and Cambridge High School Bands. 

Mrs. Beal is a graduate of Gardner-Webb University where she received a Bachelor’s in Music Education and a secondary major in Psychology.  In her 11 years of teaching, she has taught Elementary Music, Middle School Band, Middle School Chorus, Elementary Theater, and Middle School Theater.  Her students are consistently selected for Honor’s Bands and receive Superior Ratings.

Mrs. Beal resides in Lenoir, NC.  Her husband is a retired band director from Caldwell County.  She has one daughter who is a high school freshman and a step-son that just graduated from UNCC.  In her free time, she enjoys playing with her dog and spending time with her family.

Mr. Sells is a graduate of Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville, TN. Mr. Sells joined the HPS team in 2022 as the band director for Grandview Middle School.

Mr. Sells is excited to begin his second year at Grandview! Since moving to North Carolina, he has most enjoyed the camaraderie of his coworkers in Hickory Public Schools. In his free time, Mr. Sells enjoys spending time with his wife and dog. He is excited to see the continued growth and development  of the performing ensembles in Hickory Public Schools!