On June 1, the Ashe County Board of Education announced the hiring of Carrie Snyder as Ashe County High School's new band teacher.

The announcement comes after Snyder was approved by the Ashe County Board of Education on May 15.

Snyder replaces Ryan Claar, 32, of Watauga County, who was suspended by Ashe County Schools with pay on Feb. 6, after an investigation was launched by the Ashe County Sheriffs Office. Claar later resigned, and was indicted on three felony counts of a teacher taking indecent liberties with a student in March.

According to a press release issued by Ashe County Schools, Snyder is a graduate of Central Davidson High School in Lexington, and attended the University of North Carolina-Greensboro, where she earned her Bachelor of Music in Music Education.

“It was Mr. James Daugherty, band teacher at Central Davidson, and the band that led me to music education,” said Snyder. “The band room was always my home in school and Mr. Daugherty was the best teacher I ever had. I fell in love with band and it became my life. My parents always supported me in this educational experience.”

According to the press release, Snyder also made a favorable impression on Daugherty.

“Carrie was a model student, hard working, and served as the drum major for the marching band for two years,” said Daugherty. “During her college career, I utilized her as an assistant instructor for the Central Davidson High School band. She did a tremendous job working with our students. Having known her for many years, I feel very confident she will be a long-term, career band director who will work well in a community and cultivate strong ties with the community.”

On her new Ashe County assignment, Snyder said, “I hope to grow the concert and marching bands, make good music and deepen the experience of being a part of a focused team.”

At UNC-G, Snyder concentrated in percussion, read the release. She directed UNC-G’s Percussion Ensemble in 2011 and has experience in teaching private lessons, drum line instruction, instrument repair, organization of summer band camps and band/music festivals, percussion coordinator, marching band, music selection for all levels, violin instruction to beginners, symphonic band, wind ensemble, percussion ensemble and Jazz band.

Snyder has also been a participant in several professional conferences— Conductors Conference, UNC-Greensboro, NC, Percussive Arts Society International Conventions, North Carolina Music Educators Conferences and Midwest Clinic in Chicago.

Callie Grubb, the newly hired principal of Blue Ridge Elementary School, was part of Snyder’s interview team.

“Her passion for music and the students was displayed in the interview process,” said Grubb. “Not only will Carrie create an inspiring environment for the students to connect with music, but she will also set high expectations for growth and accomplishments.”

Lindsey Williams, a teacher and another member of Snyder’s interview team said, “Carrie realizes the need to adhere to and incorporate the traditions that have been set in the past and desires to build on those traditions.”

According to the press release, the Ashe County Schools Human Resources Department received several inquiries and applications for the position, and screened approximately 18 completed applications. In total, six candidates were interviewed before Snyder’s hiring.

Snyder will begin the 2012-13 school year, according to the press release, as Mrs. Carrie Mitchell. She will be marrying David Mitchell, an ETSU music theory professor, in June.