About Us
Our Story
Since its founding in 2006, the Holly Springs Community Band has grown from a small gathering of local musicians into a vibrant ensemble of about forty volunteer performers who share a love of concert band music and community connection. Sponsored in part by the Town of Holly Springs, the band performs several concerts each year at the Holly Springs Cultural Center, presenting programs that range from traditional band repertoire and patriotic favorites to themed concerts that celebrate culture, history, and the seasons.
Beyond the concert hall, the band enjoys being part of the broader community, and performs at local events, civic gatherings, and community celebrations. These performances allow the band to bring live music to a variety of settings and connect with audiences across Holly Springs and the surrounding area. Looking ahead to 2026, the band is excited to continue expanding its outreach and concert programming while celebrating the growing arts community in Holly Springs.
Our Mission
Our Conductor
Dr. Jerry Markoch is the new Director of the Holly Springs Community Band and Director Emeritus of the Athens Drive High School Band Program in Raleigh, N.C. During his 31-year tenure at Athens, the band program grew to over 200 members and earned significant honors, including consistent “Superior” ratings at the N.C. Concert Band Festival and numerous “Grand Champion” and “First Place” awards at local and regional marching band events. Concert groups performed for the Music for All/Bands of America “National Concert Band and Percussion Ensemble Festival” in Indianapolis, and the Wind Ensemble performed 4 times at the NCMEA Conference in Winston-Salem. Under Dr. Markoch’s direction, the band performed at such famous locales as Carnegie Hall, the Outback Bowl, the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Washington D.C. Memorial Day Parade and Walt Disney World. Students in the band have received much praise for their enthusiasm, fine character and outstanding musicianship.
Dr. Markoch completed a Ph.D. in music education at Louisiana State University, a M.M. at Bowling Green State University, Ohio, and a B.M. at the University of Akron, Ohio. Prior to his graduate studies, he served three years as Band Director at Manchester High School (Akron, Ohio). Dr. Markoch has received many awards for his scholarship including a prestigious fellowship at LSU and the distinction of “Valedictorian” at the University of Akron. In 2003, he was selected by his colleagues as “Teacher of the Year” at Athens Drive High School. In 2007, he was named “Band Director of the Year” by the N.C. Central District Bandmasters Association (CDBA). In 2008, he received the “Award of Excellence” from the same organization. In 2015, Dr. Markoch was awarded the Jackson Parkhurst Award for Special Achievement in Music Education from the North Carolina Symphony. Upon his retirement in June, 2026, Dr. Markoch was awarded “The Order of the Long Leaf Pine” from the State of North Carolina.
In addition to his director responsibilities at Holly Springs, Dr. Markoch is active as a clinician and adjudicator throughout the state. “Doc”–as he is affectionately known by his students and colleagues—is an avid golfer and classical guitarist. He resides in Fuquay-Varina with his wife, Susan. His son Ben is a graphic designer, and his daughter Caroline is a high school dance teacher .
Our Board of Directors
President: Debbie Dunn-Smoot
Secretary: Kathy Gloden
Treasurer: Barbara Kirkpatrick
Music Director: Jerry Markoch
Personnel Mgr: Anita Hynus
Librarian: Katie Finkbiner
Equipment Mgr: Sean Lohse
Marketing: Nancy Knight