Kristin Stiteler, Youth Orchestra Director

Kristin Stiteler is a native of Ohio and began playing the violin in 3^rd grade.  She has taught both band and orchestra classes at all grade levels for over twenty six years in both Ohio and North Carolina.  She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from The Ohio State University where she studied both violin and jazz saxophone.  She also marched bass drum in The Ohio State University Marching Band, holding the distinction of being the first female bass drum player in the history of the band.

Miss Stiteler is an accomplished musician on several instruments and has performed regularly with multiple ensembles.  She has performed with several symphony orchestras in Ohio, North Carolina, and South Carolina since 1997 and she is currently in her 21st year of playing Viola with the Fayetteville (NC) Symphony Orchestra where she held the position of Principal Violist for several years

When not playing her viola, Miss Stiteler enjoys playing Celtic and American Folk music on mandolin, banjo, and guitar.  As a member of the Classical Mandolin Society of America, she has traveled to Wisconsin, Illinois, and New York City to perform as a member and a soloist with classical mandolin orchestras on both mandolin and mandola.  Most recently she traveled to Japan and Italy to perform with the Milwaukee Mandolin Orchestra

Miss Stiteler conducted the Cumberland County Youth Orchestra from 2002-2016, and has held several leadership roles at both the Region and County levels.  She has been invited to serve as Guest Clinician for All-County Ensembles in nearby NC districts, and is an active member of NAfME, NCMEA, American String Teacher Association, and the Classical Mandolin Society of America.

Miss Stiteler has taught orchestra in the Cumberland County School District since 2002 and is currently the orchestra teacher at John Griffin Middle School.

Tim Parsons, Youth Band Director

Timothy Parsons is a graduate from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke where he earned a bachelor degree in Music Education and studied percussion under Wayne Campbell, and Dr Tracy Wiggins. While at UNCP, Tim was a member of the Concert Choir, Pembroke Singers, Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, a founding member of the Spirit of the Carolina’s Marching band, Percussion Ensemble and University Pep Band. 

Tim is currently the Director of Bands at Jack Britt High School in Fayetteville, NC. Throughout his teaching career his Concert Bands have received Superior ratings and his students consistently place in the SEDBA All-District Band and North Carolina All State Band. Tim has also served as the conductor for the Southeastern All District Band. Tim currently serves as a music arranger and drill designer for various high school marching bands in North Carolina. His marching band (Jack Britt HS) has won numerous First Place awards and have been named Grand Champions at several marching band competitions across the state. Tim currently leaves in Fayetteville NC with his wife Anna, their daughter Elle and their dog Pink.

Laurel Wachtler, Upper Strings Coach

Laurel Wachtler, violinist, hails from New Mexico, where she graduated with a B.S. degree from New Mexico State University. She has played in numerous orchestras while following her Air Force husband’s career, including Phillips Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra of Southern Maryland where she was principal second violin. Upon arrival in Fayetteville, Laurel began performing with Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra and is in her 24th year.  She is a frequent performer with Florence Symphony, Wilmington Symphony, and Carolina Philharmonic. Laurel has been a part of the Snyder Memorial Baptist Church orchestra and The Singing Christmas Tree productions for 12 years. She has maintained an active private studio since 2010 teaching violin and beginning piano.

Outside of music, Laurel’s interests include flying airplanes, scuba diving, hiking, gardening, and singing with The Coventry Carolers. She is also a volunteer tax preparer for AARP’s Tax-Aide program.

Barbara Gates, Lower Strings Coach

Barbara Salter Gates, cellist, performs regularly throughout eastern North Carolina as both a soloist and chamber musician. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from East Carolina University and a Master of Library Science degree from NC Central University.  A former orchestra director for Pitt and Cumberland County Schools, she is now a freelance ‘cellist, private instructor of ‘cello, and co-director of Fayetteville Symphony Youth Orchestra and Sinfonietta. Barbara is a member of the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, Fayetteville Symphony String Quartet, Carolina Philharmonic, Barton Wilson Symphony Orchestra, Crystal Coast Musicians and Elegant Ensembles. She currently resides in Fayetteville with her son, Ryan, and their many rescued pets.