Mr. Van Cott is the current band director of Neuse River Middle School. He also served as the band director of Forest Hills Middle School from 2017-2019, and Candlewood Middle School from 2008-2016.
Mr. Van Cott grew up on Long Island, NY, where he started playing the piano at the age of 6, and trombone at the age of 9. From 2003-2007, Mr. Van Cott studied Music Education at CW Post, a small school in New York. He earned a Bachelors of Music, and graduated cum laude. He then earned his Masters degree in Music Education from Queens College in 2011. During this time, he worked as a middle school band director and a freelance musician on Long Island and throughout New York City.
Mr. Van Cott moved to North Carolina in 2016, and has been playing trombone with concert bands, big bands, and even trombone ensembles all over the Triangle. He has also worked as a conductor and clinician with many of the concert and marching bands in Wake County.
2020 will mark the 12th year of Mr. Van Cott's teaching career, and 16th year of his performing career. As a performer, Mr. Van Cott has traveled to France, Italy, Switzerland, and China, and has performed for a former Pope, as well as a US President! Music has allowed Mr. Van Cott many unique opportunities in his life, and he looks forward to sharing his passion and knowledge with the students of Neuse River Middle School!