Andy Oldham is the Director of Instrumental Music at Ragsdale High School in Jamestown, N.C. During his tenure at Ragsdale, the music program has grown to include marching, pep, concert, and jazz bands, as well as woodwind, brass, string orchestras, and percussion ensembles.
Ragsdale’s performing ensembles frequently earn significant honors, including “Superior” ratings at the North Carolina Music Performance Adjudication as well as “Superior” ratings, “Grand Champion”, and “First Place” awards at other events.
The bands and orchestras often perform locally and at festivals throughout North Carolina, including the Biltmore, Carowinds, and many of the state’s major stadiums. They participate in parades and charity events annually and have been invited to perform in other locations such as Disney, Florida; MGM Studios, Florida; Six Flags, Georgia; Toronto, Canada; and Carnegie Hall in New York City.
At Ragsdale High School, Mr. Oldham is the teacher sponsor of the A/V, Culinary, and the Disc Golf Clubs at Ragsdale High.
Born in Erie, Pennsylvania, Mr. Oldham attended General McLane High School in Edinboro, PA where he was encouraged to pursue music by his family and his director and mentor, John Marszalek. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Music from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Mr. Oldham frequently judges marching bands and conducts honors ensembles for county and regional clinics. He received the “Teacher of Excellence” Award from Harris Teeter, the “Outstanding Member of the Community” Award from the High Point Housing Authority, and was recognized as the 2019 "Band Director of the Year" from the Central District Bandmasters Association.
Mr. Oldham resides in Greensboro with his wife Laura and his daughter Winnie.