🎶 Welcome to Band!
At Northwest Middle School, Band is where music comes alive! Whether you’re picking up an instrument for the first time or building on what you already know, Band is all about learning, growing, and performing together.
In Band, students will:
Learn to play different instruments
Read and perform music as part of an ensemble
Build teamwork, discipline, and confidence
Participate in concerts, school events, and possibly competitions
Band is more than just music—it’s a place to belong, express yourself, and soar with purpose as part of a musical community.
🎻 Welcome to Orchestra!
At Northwest Middle School, Orchestra invites students to dive into the world of string music, where creativity, precision, and teamwork come together in harmony.
In Orchestra, students will:
Learn to play violin, viola, cello, or double bass
Read music and develop performance techniques
Work together as an ensemble to create beautiful music
Perform in concerts and school events throughout the year
Whether you're brand new to strings or continuing your musical journey, Orchestra is a place to grow, express yourself, and connect with others through music.
In Orchestra, we don’t just play notes—we soar with heart and lead with purpose through every performance.


Hello! I am Mrs. Griffith Smith, and I have been teaching for 12 years. The 2025-2026 school year marks my 7th year as a Northwest Falcon. I love teaching students to not only make music with their instruments, but to love it too!
I'm originally from the Cleveland area of Ohio, but I moved to Wilmington, NC after high school with my family and I attended UNCW for college. After teaching for 5 years in Wilmington, I got married and moved here to Winston Salem! My husband and I love to be outside, kayaking, fishing, and exploring new places to hike. We are active in our church, and we enjoy all of the family time we can get! We have 2 kids: Bella, who will be 5 in October, and Jackson who will be 2 in November!
Throughout my teaching career, I have been blessed to have receive several recognitions from parents, students, and colleagues:
From 2015-2018, I partnered with UNCW's Dr. Daniel Johnson and guest conducted our Tuba Christmas Carols in Wilmington from 2015-2018
In 2016 and 2017 I was featured on Wilmington news station's WWAY as one of their "Teacher of the Week"
In 2019, I was the middle school clinician for the Brunswick County all County Band
In 2023, I was voted Northwest Middle School's "Teacher of the Year."