Childhood Musical Beginnings Provide Henderson County Public Schools
Teacher with the Opportunity of a Lifetime
HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (June 12, 2024) – When Edneyville Elementary School teacher Jordan Chambliss
was playing the flute as a 6th grader at Rugby Middle School, she had no idea that her musical path would
eventually lead her to perform at the recent D-Day Celebrations in Normandy France.
Chambliss applied for and received the opportunity to be a part of the D-Day 80th Anniversary Collegiate
Mass Band. She traveled to France earlier this month along with other selected band members from around
the nation, performing for several days during various aspects of the festivities, including the June 8th D-Day
parade and celebrations for thousands of people who attended.
Band participants joined one of four region bands (Southeast, Northeast, Southwest, or Northwest)
determined by the location of their college or university. Each regional band, led by renowned collegiate
directors from across the nation, had the opportunity to perform separately, but also combined to form a mass
band for designated events.
The once-in-a-lifetime experience started in Washington D.C. for rehearsals and sightseeing before departing
for the coast of France. Participants then performed for official ceremonies and parades marking the 80th
anniversary of the D-Day Landings and the Liberation of Europe. Her experience culminated with a stay in
Paris to enjoy the sights, culture, and the history that is unique to one of the world’s greatest cities.
Chambliss began playing the flute in the band at Rugby in 6th grade. She continued playing throughout high
school at West Henderson under the guidance of band director Allen Klaes, also learning to play a few more
instruments, including the piccolo. She then joined the band at Western Carolina University, where she
majored in Elementary Education. In the 2023-2024 school year, she returned to the HCPS Family, taking on
the role of a fifth-grade teacher at Edneyville Elementary.
“It was an honor to be able to represent HCPS, the WCU Pride of the Mountains Marching Band, and the
United States alongside other talented musicians,” shared Chambliss. “I owe this opportunity of a lifetime to
joining band when I was in 6th grade at Rugby. It was the best decision I ever made, and I’m so grateful for all
the music teachers I’ve had over the years, especially Mr. Klaes, who helped me get here. I hope other young
musicians in Henderson County and around the United States can see the great things music can bring you,
even with it just being a hobby.”
Childhood Musical Beginnings Provide Henderson County Public Schools Teacher with the Opportunity of a Lifetime
