About Us

Timothy L. Wise received the Bachelor of Music Education in 1991 from Morehead State University in Morehead, Kentucky. While attending MSU, Mr. Wise studied with Dr. Richard Miles. In 2003 Mr. Wise received the Master of Arts in Education from Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina studying under Dr. John West and Mr. Bob Buckner.

Mr. Wise has been director of bands at Tuscola High School since the fall of 1993. Under Mr. Wise's leadership, the band program has more than doubled its overall enrollment. The symphonic band receives consistent superior ratings at the district music festival and performs upward of five concerts locally a year. In 1996 and 2007 the band was selected to perform at the North Carolina Music Educators State Convention in Winston Salem. The marching program consistently receives superior ratings at regional events and participates annually in Bands of America national and regional events being named a regional finalist 4 times. The winter guard is a past class champion and WGI regional finalist. The percussion ensemble has twice performed at the North Carolina Percussive Arts Society State Convention and at the Bands of America National Concert Band Festival in 1998.

Before coming to Tuscola, Mr. Wise was Assistant Director of bands at Riverdale High School in Riverdale, Georgia. While at Riverdale, the bands received consistent superior ratings at state festival and at state and local marching events. The symphonic band was selected to perform at the Bands of America National Concert Band Festival in Chicago, Illinois.

Mr. Wise is member of NCMEA, MENC, and Phi Mu Alpha. He is the past president for the WNC Bandmasters Association. He is also the past chairman for the North Carolina State Marching Band Committee.

Ashley Cooper received her Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Western Carolina University in 2002. While at WCU, Mrs. Cooper was principal flutist in the Wind Ensemble and served as Staff Coordinator and section leader in the Pride of the Mountains Marching Band. She was named to the College Band Directors Association Inter-Collegiate band as part of their national conference held in Atlanta, Georgia. Mrs. Cooper was active in professional organizations including the WCU Flute Society serving as president, Collegiate MENC secretary, and secretary of the Eta Theta Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota. Her principal instructors included Dr. Eldred Spell, Dr. John West, and Mr. Bob Buckner.

Mrs. Cooper joined the staff at Tuscola as Assistant Band Director in January 2003. She serves as assistant director of the marching band, assistant conductor of the symphony band, and principal conductor of the concert band. She also directs the award winning winter guard. Mrs. Cooper is a member of MENC and NCMEA.