CFNN Reporters: Rachel Leonard Karie Ann McDavid

This week’s Teacher of The Week has a love for music! He has grown Cape Fear’s band program and reimplemented a love for music within so many students. From Friday nights in the stands, half time performances, competitions, and so much more, band has brought joy to so many fans thanks to Mr. Jorgensen, Cape Fears band director and this week’s Teachers of the Week!

Mr. Jorgensen attended Scotland High School where he graduated from in 2006. After high school, he attended the University of North Carolina at Pembroke where he majored in music education graduating in 2010. Mr. Jorgensen has been teaching in the school system for 14 years with 2 of those years being at Cape Fear.

Mr. Jorgensen has always had a love for band and wanted to share his love for band with the next generation of band students. He can’t remember a time where he didn’t want to be a band director. The impact that his high school band director had on him enhanced his love for band and music which led him to continue his passion for music and teaching!

“My favorite part of teaching is being able to see the growth and determination of my students throughout the school year. That is truly the most rewarding thing any teacher can get. Winning at competitions is a really close second though”, exclaimed Mr. Jorgensen. 

In his free time, Mr. Jorgensen loves to play golf. He has always had a love for the sport and could play it everyday of the week if allowed. In his office he has golf decorations on his desk, showing off how much he enjoys the sport. His favorite movie is “Remember the Titans”, because of how inspirational it is.

Nothing can compare to the atmosphere on Friday nights in Colt Country. Mr. Jorgensen believes in creating an electrifying atmosphere. Everyone loves the feelings of Friday night especially when the energy in the stadium is off the charts! When on offense Mr. Jorgensen has the band be quiet and allow for Cape Fear football to concentrate, but the minute we hit defense it’s time to play loud and proud to really bring the energy. 

On the other end, Saturdays are when the band gets to compete and be in their element. Saturday competitions are what drives the band to become better. At competitions they strive to be the best versions of themselves which is what helps with their success. They have such a fun time competing against everyone which is why Saturdays are so important to the band. 

The band has had an amazing band competition season this year! They have won class at every local competition for the second year in a row. At their past 3 competitions they were grand champs. At one of the biggest competitions, Bands of America, which is all of the bands across the southeast, Cape Fears very own band was super successful. When going into the competition the band thought they would not be able to make it to finals. When they were 2 points away from making it to the finals they were not only shocked but excited as all of they’re hard work has paid off!

Mr. Jorgensen believes that the students work ethic is what has made the band so accomplished. The band sets goals and standards for themselves at the beginning of the season and stepping up and meeting them is what makes them have so much success. 

Mr. Jorgensen has always had a love for band and producing music. His way of teaching has helped so many students fall in love with band just like he once did. So many students love him and we have truly seen not only our Band program, but Color Guard program as well, succeed and grow tremendously since he moved to Cape Fear. Mr. Jorgensen has really left an impact within his students which is why he was chosen as this week’s Teacher of the Week!