Chris Foster
Director of Bands

Mr. Christopher R. Foster is the Director of Bands at the brand new Felton Grove High School opening in August of 2025. He is eager to lay the foundation for an outstanding band program.

Under the leadership of Mr. Foster, his ensembles have earned a multitude of prestigious awards on regional, national, and international stages. Highlights of their achievements include multiple Bands of America Regional Finals and Class Championships, NCBMA Class Champions and Grand Champions, receiving Superior Ratings at the OMEA State Finals, and winning the Bands of America Grand Nationals Class A Championship in 2013.

Mr. Foster holds a Bachelor of Music in Education, majoring in Trumpet with a minor in Percussion, from Youngstown State University’s Dana School of Music (1998). He earned his Master’s in Music Education from Kent State University in 2012. Throughout his career, he has held positions at Cary High School (2019-2025), Bellbrook High School (2008-2019), Warren Local High School (2002-2008), Crestview High School (1998-2002), and the Warren Junior Military Band in Youngstown, Ohio. Foster has also served as a guest conductor for the Columbiana All-Star Band, YSU Concert Band, River City Brass Ensemble, and the Lancomb County, PA Honors Band. Additionally, he was a member of the Smoot House Jazz Band from Parkersburg, WV, and has performed with renowned artists such as Eddie Daniels, Bobby Shew, Chuck Mangione, and the Air Force Band of Flight

In recognition of his significant contributions to the performing arts, Mr. Foster was honored with the US flag flown over the United States Capitol on May 10, 2000. He remains an active member of the North Carolina Bandmasters Association and the National Association for Music Educators.

JJ Cranford is the Director of the Color Guard at the brand new Felton Grove High School. As a passionate educator and performer, he is dedicated to building a program where students not only develop strong technical and artistic skills, but also discover a sense of belonging and community through the performing arts.

JJ has led and choreographed for the color guard programs at both Northwest Guilford and Holly Springs High Schools. At Northwest Guilford, he led the varsity team to earn a silver medal at the Atlantic Indoor Association (AIA) South Championships and prepared them for a strong showing as Scholastic A Class semifinalists at the WGI World Championships in Dayton, Ohio. At Holly Springs, JJ developed and honed the technical skills that helped the JV team secure a silver medal at the AIA Championships in the Scholastic A2 Class.

In addition to his work with high school programs, JJ has contributed choreography for clinics hosted by UNC Chapel Hill and First Flight Winter Guard. As a performer, he marched with Holly Springs High School Color Guard and Winter Guard from 2019 to 2023 and has been a member of First Flight World Guard since 2024.

JJ is currently pursuing a degree in Information Systems and Supply Chain Management with a concentration in Business Analytics at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where he is expected to graduate in May of 2027.

As a director, JJ’s goal is to help students discover their love for performing and find a family within the performing arts, where they feel supported and challenged to grow.