Neil Underwood

• M.M., B.M., Education, University of North Carolina, Greensboro

Neil Underwood is the director of the Spirit of LR marching band, also serving as conductor for the Lenoir-Rhyne wind symphony, wind ensemble and coaches LR woodwind chamber ensembles. In addition, he teaches music education courses specializing in instrumental music.

Prior to his tenure at LR, Mr. Underwood taught public school as a high school band director for a combined 32 years at East Lincoln and North Lincoln High Schools. During that time, his bands performed twice at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the North Carolina Music Educator’s Conferences and the National American School Band Director’s Association Conference. In addition, his marching bands were finalists at Bands of America Regionals and received a Division I in Grand Nationals competition and numerous state and regional awards.  

Underwood has previously been Lincoln County Teacher of the Year, President of the South-Central District Band Association, and President of the North Carolina Bandmaster’s Association. In addition, he holds memberships in several organizations and is active as a clinician and judge for bands throughout the southeast.

Underwood was inducted into the North Carolina Bandmaster’s Association’s Hall of Fame in 2021.