Director

MRS. CAT SLADE - cslade@wcpss.net

Mrs. Cat Slade’s musical journey began on her 8th birthday, when she received the gift of piano lessons from her parents. In 5th grade, she joined the school band as a percussionist—a year earlier than her peers—demonstrating her early passion and talent for music. By 8th grade, she expanded her instrumental focus to include the bass clarinet, achieving notable success throughout high school in state-level solo and ensemble competitions.

Mrs. Slade holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education, specializing in Instrumental and General Music, from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. She later earned a Master of Music in Music Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

She began her teaching career at Forest Hills Middle School in Wilson, North Carolina, in 2005. Her excellence in the classroom was recognized when she was named Forest Hills Middle School’s Teacher of the Year for 2012–2013, and she was honored as a semi-finalist for Wilson County Schools’ District Teacher of the Year. From 2014 to 2025, Mrs. Slade worked with the enthusiastic and talented students of Wendell Magnet Middle School, where she continued to inspire a love of music and a commitment to excellence in her students.  She is excited to work with the students of Pine Hollow Middle School, who are known for being well-rounded, musically accomplished, and eager to grow.