White County High School Names New Band Director

White County High School has found its next band director.

Principal Greg Wilson announced this week that Laiton Pigg will take over leadership of the Warrior Band program, bringing with her experience from both the University of Tennessee and the Putnam County School System.

A native of Overton County, Pigg graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she was a member of the Pride of the Southland Marching Band. During her time at UT, she became part of school history when she and Drum Major Rebecca Percy became the first female duo to lead the marching band in its 148-year history.

Pigg helped lead the Pride of the Southland through numerous performances and events, including Volunteer football games and the Presidential Inaugural Parade. Former UT Director of Bands Don Ryder once described her as having an attitude of, “I’ll do whatever it takes to get the job done.”

Following graduation, Pigg joined the Putnam County School System, where she served as a music teacher at Baxter Primary School while also working as assistant band director for Upperman High School’s Regiment of Black marching band.

Her work in Putnam County earned several recognitions. Pigg was named the 2023-24 Rotary Teacher of Excellence while teaching at Baxter Primary. She also was granted tenure by the Putnam County school system.

Wilson said Pigg brings both energy and a strong background in music education to the position, along with experience in the organizational and logistical demands of a successful band program.

The Warrior Band will have an opportunity to meet its new director later this week. A meet-and-greet for current band members and their families is scheduled for Thursday, June 4, at 6 p.m. in the White County High School cafeteria. Students interested in joining the band program this year are also encouraged to attend.

Pigg will take over a program that has long been a visible part of student life at White County High School, and Wilson expressed confidence in the direction the band will take under her leadership.