Chronology of Head Band Masters and Staff
(Researched by Dr. Lewis Liddell, Sr.)

1.  Kermit Holly, Sr., First Band Director (Part-time), Early 1940-1947

2. Charles Saulsburg, Band Director, 1947-1948

3.  William W. Davis, First Full-Time Band Director, 1948-1971
      Band Staff:

• Dr. Dollye M. E. Robinson, Assistant Band Director, 1952-1962
• Dr. Estus Smith, Assistant Band Director, 1962-1966
• *Dr. Jimmie James, Jr., Assistant Band Director, 1966-Continued
• @Harold Haughton, Assistant Band Director1966-1970
• *Edward Duplessis, Assistant Band Director, 1970-Continued
• *Joe Goree, Assistant Band Director, 1970-Continued

4.  Harold Haughton, Director of the Marching Band, 1971-1984
      Band Staff:

• Dr. Jimmie James, Assistant Band Director and Announcer, 1971-1974
• *Edward Duplessis, Assistant Band Director, 1971-Continued
• *Joe Goree, Assistant Band Director, 1971-Continued
• James Holden, Assistant Band Director, 1978-1984
• Shirley Middleton Blakley, Dance Line Sponsor, 1970-1975
• *Narah Oatis, Dance Line Sponsor (J-Settes), 1971-Continued

5.  Dowel Taylor, Director of Bands, 1984-1992
      Band Staff:

• Edward Duplessis, Associate Director of Bands, 1984-Continued
• (Acting Director of the Marching Band, 1991-1992)
• *Narah Oatis, Dance Line Sponsor (J-Settes), 1984-Continued
• Joe Goree, Assistant Band Director, 1984-1986
• *Byron Gregory, Assistant Band Director, 1984-Continued
• *Paul I. Adams, Assistant Director of Bands, 1986-Continued
• *Dr. Jimmie James, Voice of the Sonic Boom (Announcer), 1984-Continued

6.  Dr. Lewis Liddell, Sr., Director of Bands, 1992-Present
      Band Staff:

• Edward Duplessis, Associate Director of Bands, 1992-2000
• Paul I. Adams, Assistant Director of Bands, 1992-2000
• Byron Gregory, Assistant Band Director, 1992-1993
• Narah Oatis, Dance Line Sponsor (J-Settes), 1992-1996
• William Breathea, Assistant Band Director, 1993-1999
• Dr. Crystal Sweepson Britton, Assistant Band Director, 1996-1997 and 2000-2001
• Ralph Chapman, Assistant Band Director, 2002-2003
• **Dr. Michael Magruder, Assistant Band Director, 1993-2004
• (Promoted to Associate Director of Bands in 2000)
• Kathy P. Worthy, Dance Line Sponsor (J-Settes), 1997-Present
• Dr. David N. Ware, Assistant Director of Bands, 2000-2007
• Joe Ringold, Assistant Band Director, 2000-2005
• Dr. Paxton Girtmon, Associate Director of Bands, 2004-2007
• Renardo Murray, Assistant Band Director, 2004-Present
• Owen Rockwell, Assistant Band Director, 2006-Present
• Lowell Hollinger, Assistant Band Director, 2007-Present
• Dr. Jimmie James, Voice of the Sonic Boom (Announcer), 1992-Present

*Served With Multiple Head Band Masters
**Promoted to Associated Director of Bands in 2000
@Assistant Band Director Prairie View A&M University 1970-1971
&Acting Director of the Marching Band, 1991

Kermit Holly, Sr., First Band Director (Part-time), Early 1940-1947

Kermit Wells Holly, Sr., was a modest man; a man of high ideals and ethical principles; a source of unexcelled inspiration with remarkable accomplishments.  The only child of Mrs. Abi Ellen Wells and Harvey Holly, he was born February 9, 1908, in Hinds County, Jackson, Mississippi. At age five, he entered Jackson College Elementary School and continued through high school. His professor, Dr. Frederick D. Hall, recognized his special talent for music and encouraged him to study all phases of instrumental and vocal music as well as to use wisely his beautiful baritone voice: During the summer of his junior and senior high school years, he studied in Atlanta, Georgia with the famous and renowned violinist Kemper Harreld.

He was a graduate of Clark College, Atlanta. Georgia and Chicago Musical College, Chicago, Illinois, with further study at Roosevelt University, Vander Cook, Peabody and Richmond Professional Institute of Music.

His professional career in music instruction began at Clark College in 1929 and was continued at Jackson College and Alcorn College. While teaching at Jackson College, he organized the Jackson College quartet that traveled through the North and Midwest raising funds to help support the college. He also performed as concert violinist throughout most of the United States. He organized the first citywide W. P. A. chorus and orchestra and performed locally and across the state. He chose to stay in his hometown, Jackson, and “used his talents in the development of Black youth in this state.” In the words of Booker T. Washington, he “let down his bucket where he was.” For forty-three years, he was employed by the Jackson Public School System where he was a composer/arranger of choral, string and instrumental music. Thirty of those years were spent at Lanier High School; the additional ten years were in string music in junior and senior high schools.

Charles Saulsburg, Band Director, 1947-1948

Charles Saulsburg was appointed band director in 1947. He served for one year. (In the 1947-1948 years book, he is listed as a social science teacher. This writer was unable to find any additional information on Charles Saulsburg.)  His background and contribution to the band program is being researched.

William W. Davis, First Full-Time Band Director, 1948-1971

In 1948, William W. Davis of Ironton, Ohio, former arranger for Cab Calloway’s  legendary big band became Jackson State University’s first full-time band director.  Mr. William Walter Davis was born in Ironton, Ohio on January 14, 1922.  His early childhood was spent in Ironton where he received his elementary and secondary education.  He earned the Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from Alabama State University in 1948, and was awarded the Masters of Arts degree in Instrumental Pedagogy from the Ohio State University in 1955.

In 1943 he was inducted into the United States Army, Infantry Division, where he served until 1946.  During his tour of duty in the United States Army, he played solo trumpet in the 164th and 372nd Army Bands.  He played first trumpet and was in charge of the brass section of a 35-piece band.  He also played with an Army band that toured the United States on a bond drive, and later played with a traveling Army band in the Pacific Theater of Operations playing for dances and USO shows.

Also, prior to coming to Jackson State University, Mr. Davis participated in several other organizations, culminating these experiences by playing trumpet in Cab Calloway’s orchestra.  Davis’s marching band concept was greatly influenced by Cab Calloway’s big band sound and showmanship.  Cab Calloway’s influence is still present today in the sound and show design of the Jackson State University Marching Band.

For twenty-three years, from 1948-1971, Mr. Davis–the man–affectionally known as “Prof” and “Maestro” was the head band master–Director of the Marching Band, Symphonic Wind Ensemble (Band) conductor, and the coordinator of the instrumental division.  For an additional 10 years, until his death on October 3, 1981, for a total of 33 years, he continued to serve as conductor of Jackson State University’s Wind Ensemble and chief arranger for the Jackson State University Marching Band, “The Sonic Boom of the South.”  He taught applied trumpet and French horn, instrumental conducting, Brasswind classes, instrumental arranging and music theory.   He is best remembered as a master conductor and an inimitable arranger.

Mr. Davis served on numerous boards and commissions.  He was a consultant on visitation teams for the Mississippi Accreditation Commission and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.  He held membership in many prestigious learned societies and organizations among which included: National Association of College Wind and Percussion Instructors; American Federation of Musicians - Local 579 (Member, Board of Directors); International Trumpeters Guild and Phi Delta Kappa Fraternity.  He was a member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church where he sang in the choir and served on the board of directors of the Day Care Center and Men’s Club.  He was a member of Alpha Epsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.  Among his special honors were:

• In 1965, under the baton of William W. Davis, the Symphonic Wind Ensemble (Band) reached its apex with a performance at the New York World’s Fair, becoming the first historically African-American college to perform at a world’s fair
• Commissioned by Braniff Airlines in 1972 to do an arrangement of Duke Ellington compositions for the Battle of the Bands in Dallas, Texas
• Commissioned by Dr. John A. Peoples, Jr., President of Jackson State University, to do an original arrangement of the Alma Mater - “Jackson Fair.”  The arrangement “Symphonic Portrait of Jackson Fair” premiered October 22, 1978, commemorating the one hundred first anniversary of Jackson State University
• Received the Teacher of the Year Award in 1974 at the Mabel Corney Chapter of the Student National Education Association
• Was cited Man of the Year in 1977 by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Davis’s musical genius transcends the barriers of time and space. Through his leadership and teaching, Davis influenced several generations of African-American band directors, including the current Director of Bands, Dr. Lewis Liddell, Sr., and former directors, Harold Haughton (Retired Director of Bands at Virginia State University) and  Dowell Taylor.  Other band directors influenced by Davis, just to name a few,  included:  Dr. Dolly M. E. Robinson, Dean College of Liberal Arts, Dr. Jimmie James, Chair Department of Music, Dr. Michael Magruder, Director of Bands at Winston-Salem State University, Samuel Griffin, Director of Bands at Alcorn State University, Louis Lee, retired Director of Bands at Utica Junior College, and Dr. Estus Smith, former Vice President of Academic  Affairs. In fact, during Davis’s tenure, Jackson State University became known as somewhat of a Mecca for the development of African-American band directors.

Harold Haughton, Director of the Marching Band, 1971-1984

Harold J. Haughton, Sr. was born in Canton, Mississippi and began his music studies in the public schools of New Orleans, Louisiana. He received the B. M. E. from Jackson State University and the M. M. E. degree from Louisiana State University. He pursued additional studies at Duquesne University, Jackson State University, Morehead State University, Vandercook College of Music and The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

For six years, he served as a high school band director and music teacher in the public schools of Alabama and Mississippi. From 1966 to 1969, he served as Assistant Band Director at Jackson State University. In 1970, he served as Assistant Director of the Marching Band and Director of the Symphonic Band at Prairie View A & M University.

In 1971 he returned to Jackson State University where he remained for thirteen years; serving as Director of the Marching Band, Assistant Director of the Symphonic Band, Director of the Concert Band and Director of the Woodwind Choir. Also during this tenure, he initiated several changes in the Marching Band program including:

• changing the primary band uniform color from royal
  blue to light navy blue.
• replacing Majorettes with Featured Dancers (Shirley Blakely)
• creating and introducing the “Tiger Run On”
• creating and introducing the “Tiger Strut” (Adagio Step)
• creating and introducing the “Floating JSU” during halftime
• adopting the name “The Sonic Boom of the South”
  (Evelia Jones/Charles Beard)
• introducing the title “The Thrill of a Thousand Eyes”
  (Dr. Jimmie James, Jr.)
• increasing the size to 160 instrumentalist in Fall of 1983
• was the director when the band participated in the first
  “Battle Of The Bands” at Texas Stadium, Irving Texas,
  (Home of the Dallas Cowboys)
• was the director when the band performed for its first NFL halftime.
  NFL Performances were for the: New Orleans Saints, Detroit Lions,
  Atlanta Falcons and the Cincinnati Bengals The half time show for
  the Cincinnati Bengals was nationally televised.

Dowel Taylor, Director of Bands, 1984-1992

Dowell Taylor is a native of Jackson, Mississippi where he attended Brinkley and Callaway High Schools. He also attended Jackson State University where he earned two degrees, the B.M.E. and M.M.E., respectively, and participated in the JSU “Sonic Boom of the South” Marching Band in the Tuba Section. During his tenure at JSU as a student, Mr. Taylor created what is now referred to as the DT “Tuba Strutt,” arranged more than 100 band selections, including the current marching band theme song “Get Ready” which was originally arranged by John Paul Jones. In 1976, he was awarded the highest award a bandsman could receive, the “Best All Around Bandsman” award. Mr. Taylor did further study (90 quarter hours) in the Doctor of Musical Arts program in Wind Conducting at the University of Cincinnati, College Conservatory of Music, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Upon graduation from JSU, Mr. Taylor served as Director of Bands at Mary Holmes, Jr. College, West Point Mississippi, Kentucky State University, Frankfort, Kentucky where he also served as Department Chair, and from 1984-1992 as Director of Bands at Jackson State University conducting both the Marching and Symphonic Bands. One of his most notable performances with the University Wind Ensemble included a concert featuring Dr. Karen Laubengayer, JSU Associate Professor of Music, as solo pianist performing with the ensemble on George Gershwin’s famous “Rhapsody and Blue.”

During this period, the famous JSU “Sonic Boom of the South” Marching Band received numerous awards and citations including countless articles and commentaries in local newspapers as well as national coverage in Jet Magazine, the Christian Science Monitor, and People Magazine. The Band was also featured as “Special Guest Band of Honor” at the St Petersburg, Florida Martin Luther King Parade and Battle of Bands extravaganza. In 1991, the “Boom” was selected from an all-star cast of eligible bands across the nation to participate in the NBA All-star basketball game, Charlotte, North Carolina and Motown’s 30th Anniversary Celebration in Hollywood, California, 1990.

Dr. Lewis Liddell, Sr., Director of Bands, 1992-present

Dr. Lewis Liddell, Sr. is a native of Jackson, Mississippi where he attended Jim Hill, Lanier, and Brinkley High Schools, graduating from the latter in 1963.  He received the Bachelor of Music Education degree from Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, Master of Music Education degree from the University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, Louisiana, and the Doctorate from Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi.  He pursued additional studies at Louisiana Tech University, Jackson State University, the University of Louisiana Monroe, Southeastern Louisiana University, and the University of Southern Mississippi.  Dr. Liddell studied conducting under Professor William W. Davis and the national renowned conductor, Dr. Joe Barry Mullins, and marching band techniques under Dr. William C. Moffit, originator of patterns of motion.

Dr. Lewis Liddell, Sr.  is Associate Professor of Music, Director of Bands, and coordinator of the instrumental division at Jackson State University.  In addition to directing the Jackson State University Marching Band, “The Sonic Boom of the South” and conducting the Symphonic Band, he supervises a staff of six directors and is responsible for the administration of the total band program:  Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Woodwind Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Pep Band, and the Prancing J-Settes (Dance Line).  As a member of the undergraduate and graduate faculty, his teaching duties include directing Master Theses/research projects, applied clarinet, oboe, bassoon, wind literature, marching band techniques, music appreciation, and conducting.

His teaching career began in 1967,  as band director at Wesley Ray High School, Angie, Louisiana.   In 1970, Dr. Liddell assumed the band director’s position at his high school alma mater, Brinkley High School, Jackson, Mississippi.  After 14 years of teaching and directing award winning bands in Jackson Public Schools, including the national renowned Provine High School band, the 1982 Mid-America National Champion (sponsored by “Six Flags Over St. Louis”), Dr. Liddell moved to higher education.  Serving as Director of Bands at Jackson State University since July 1992, his diverse university teaching and administrative experiences include:

• Director of Bands and Assistant Professor of Fine Arts, Kentucky State
  University, Frankfort, Kentucky
• Chairperson Division of Fine Arts and Assistant Professor of Fine Arts,
  Kentucky State University, Frankfort, Kentucky
• Assistant to the President and Assistant Professor of Education, Murray
  State University, Murray, Kentucky
• Affirmative Action Officer and Assistant Professor of Education, Murray
  State University, Murray, Kentucky
• Director of Institutional Research and Assistant Professor of Education,
  Murray State University, Murray, Kentucky
• Affirmative Action Officer and Adjunct Professor of Sociology, Winona
  State University, Winona, Minnesota
• Assistant to the Dean, College of Arts and Science and Associate
  Professor of Music, North Carolina A&T University, Greensboro,
  North Carolina

An excellent clarinetist in his own right, an intense disciplinarian, he is a superb bandmaster and teacher–the dynamic force behind the Jackson State University band program.  Under his leadership, the band program has received statewide, regional, and national recognition as a “Benchmark” of musical excellence.  The marching band has grown from a standard marching band of 128 members to an electrifying marching unit of more than 290 members strong.  The Sonic Boom is frequently invited to perform at athletic events, battle of bands, and  extravaganzas.  Also, the marching band unit has been nationally televised more than 30 times.  Some of the most notable performances include  halftime appearances for the New York Jets, Houston Oilers, Philadelphia Eagles, Senior Bowl (1997 and 2004), Indianapolis Colts, and the Dallas Mavericks.  The band has participated in marching band extravaganzas with capacity audiences in the following cities and stadiums:

• Louisiana Super Dome, New Orleans, Louisiana
• The Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
• Ladd Stadium, Mobile, Alabama
• Liberty Bowl, Memphis, Tennessee
• Legion Field, Birmingham, Alabama
• Memorial Stadium, Jackson, Mississippi
• Shreveport, Louisiana

As noted, the Sonic Boom has a history of many stellar performances, however, recently, the marching band has received unprecedented national recognition as listed below:

• March 2003–The marching and was featured on the 34th
  NAACP Image Awards, with a special guest performance
  by “Cedric the Entertainer.” The program was aired
  nationwide on FOX Television
• April 2003–The marching band was invited to perform at
  the 2004 Senior Bowl
• August 2003–Drum major, Tamara Myles was featured
  on the cover of Black Voices Quarterly (BVQ) magazine.
  Also, the marching band was featured in an article on
  college bands
• October 2003–The marching band was enshrined in the
  NCAA Hall of Champions. Dr. Liddell and drum major
  Tamara Myles were panelists on the NCAA Hall of Champions
  education program “The Drumline–The Student Performer”
• October 2003–Dr. Liddell narrated a video entitled “War &
  Thunder BEHIND THE DRUMLINE,” produced by Donna
  Lawrence Productions for the NCAA
• October 2003–The marching band was filmed by Electronic
  Art Sports (EA Sports) for the 2005 vision of the video game
  “EA Sports NCAA Football 2005.”
• October 2003–Promotional video of “The Sonic Boom of the
  South,” produced by EA Sports for the Jackson State University band
• January 2004–The marching band performed at the 2004 Senior Bowl
• April 2004–The band performed at the NBA Grizzle basketball
  game in Memphis, Tennessee

Notwithstanding the many accolades received by the marching band, Dr. Liddell appropriately cautions and maintains that the marching band is only justified to extent that it is a direct outgrowth of a quality symphonic/concert band program.  Since the Symphonic Band’s 1965 historical performance at the New York World’s Fair (one of the first historically black college to perform at a world’s fair), the Symphonic Band has received continued recognition for its long legacy of outstanding musical accomplishments.  As the band program’s premiere performing ensemble, in 1995, the Symphonic Band was featured at the National Black Music Caucus Professional Conference held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  More recently, the Symphonic Band was featured at the National Black Music Caucus Professional Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.

Also, it is significant to note that the national recognition received by the band program could only have been accomplished with a competent band staff.  Under Dr. Liddell’s leadership, he has recruited and developed a true professional band staff.  Three members of the five member staff have earned doctorates and one is currently the candidate for the PhD.  All members of the band staff are superb teachers and band masters in their own right.

Dr. Liddell has served as an adjudicator, consultant, clinician, speaker and conductor throughout the nation.  He has also served as guest conductor for the All West Tennessee Honors Band, the All City Senior High Symphonic Band, Jackson Public School Music Festival All-City Band, and Northwestern High School, Miami, Florida, to name a few.

As a person that came up through the ranks, Dr. Liddell’s experiences are varied and diverse.  He has taught music on all levels–elementary, secondary, collegiate, and graduate.  Among his many diverse experiences, he has served as pianist and a church choir director.  And he was an actor in “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sing,” a movie based on a book by Maya Angelou, originally aired on CBS Television in 1979.  The movie has since become an African-American history month classic, frequently televised on educational television stations.  Also, he has authored more than 150 computer programs.  In 1991, he presented his computer program “Mentor Three: A Student Advisement Records Management Degree Auditing System” at the annual meeting of the Southeast Region of the Decision Sciences Institute in Washington, D.C.  In addition to the presentation of his computer program, Dr. Liddell was a discussant, on “Issues in Top Management and Expert Systems.”

Dr. Liddell’s numerous honors and awards include the 1996 Atlanta Metropolitan Battle of the Bands Award,  the “Ambassadors of SWAC” Award (Louisiana/Mississippi BEO)–2002, Jackson Music Award, 2005 Martin Luther King Music Education Award, North Mississippi Band Festival Service to State of Mississippi Award, and the Jackson State University National Alumni Association’s Achievement Award.  Recently, he was inducted into the Mississippi Magnolia Band Director’s Hall of Fame.  His affiliations include the Music Educators National Conference (MENC), the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA), Phi Delta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, and Kappa Kappa Psi Band Fraternity.  Dr. Liddell’s biography is listed in Personalities of the South, Notable Americans, and several other publications.

Contributors to the Legacy of the Jackson State University Band Program

The legacy of the Jackson State University Band Program would not be complete without mentioning the contributors of Dr. Dollye M.E. Robinson, Dean, College of Liberal Arts, longtime assistant band director Edward Duplessis, Jr., Dr. Jimmie James, Jr., Voice of the Sonic Boom, and Narah Dean Oatis, longtime sponsor of the J-Settes.  Also it is only appropriate that the history of the J-Settes be included in the history of the band program.

Dr. Dollye M. E. Robinson, Professor of Music and Dean, College of Liberal Arts

Dr. Dollye M. E. Robinson is native of Jackson, Mississippi where she attended Lanier High School.  She received the B. S. degree  from Jackson State University and the M.Mus. and Ph.D. from Northwestern University.  Dr. Robinson began her teaching career at Jackson State University in 1952 as instructor of music and assistant band director.  She served as assistant band director under William W. Davis for ten years, 1952-1962.  Dr. Robinson was instrumental in assisting Mr. Davis in laying a solid foundation for the Jackson State’s band program.   In 1962, Dr. Robinson, was appointed acting chairman of the department of music.  Currently,  she is Dean of the College of Liberal Arts.  As Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, Dr. Robinson has been, and continues to be a dynamic inspirational force behind the band program at Jackson State University.

Dr. Estus Smith, Assistant Director of Bands (1963-1966)

Dr. Estus Smith is a graduate of Jackson State University with a Degree in Music Education, he was an outstanding student, a member of the marching band and lettered in football and basketball. He came to Jackson State as an assistant band director in 1963, after an outstanding career as a high school band director. He later was promoted to Vice President of Academic Affairs.  Dr. Smith retired from Jackson State University in 1984.

Jimmie James, Jr., Announcer (Voice of the Sonic Boom)

Jimmie James, Jr. presently serves as Chair of the Department of Music and Professor of Music at Jackson State University (JSU). He received the Bachelor of Music Education degree from JSU where he was the first tuba major, graduating cum laude; the MS. degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison; and the Ph.D. degree from the University of Southern Mississippi where he was the first African-American to received that degree. At JSU, he has served as Director of Musical Activities, Coordinator of the Graduate Music Program, Director of the Concert Band, Assistant Band Director and Director of the Brass Ensemble. A very versatile person, he serves as the Voice of the Sonic Boom of the South, the University’s Marching Band.. He was honored by the University by being named to deliver the 1992 Summer Commencement Address. Prior to being employed at JSU, he served as band director at Earl Travillion Attendance Center in Hattiesburg, MS where his bands received superior ratings. He was recently honored by P.A.C.E. Head Start of Hattiesburg during its 7th Annual Black Heritage Celebration. Dr. James served two terms as the first Conceptional Director of Music for the African Methodist Episcopal Church His composition, Praise Ye the Lord, can be heard on the JSU Choir’s new CD.

Having served as Director of the highly successful Annual Church Music Workshop of America sponsored by JSU and the Eighth Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church since its inception in 1977, James has conducted workshops on church music in twenty different states He served as a member of the Commission on Worship and Liturgy, the Commission that organized the AME Bicentennial Hymnal. Presently, he is Minister of Music, Director of the Sanctuary Choir and a member of the Steward Board at Pearl Street A.M.E. Church in Jackson, MS and a member of the General Board of the AME Church. A member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, he has served as International Director of Talent Hunt and has been named Omega Man of the Year on the local and district levels. He is a member of Phi Delta Kappa Educational Fraternity and a former member of the Board of Directors of the JSU National Alumni Association. He is active in Optimist International and has been honored with the Distinguished President’s and the Distinguished Lt. Governor’s awards. Dr. James’ biography is listed in International Who’s Who in Music, Personalities of the South and several other publications. His biography will appear in the 8th Edition of Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers.

Edward Duplessis, Jr., Assistant Band, 1970-August 2000

Edward Duplessis, Jr., is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana.  Mr. Duplessis began his collegiate teaching career at Jackson State University in 1970 as an Instructor of Music. During his tenure he served as Director of the Marching Bands in 1991, Director of Jazz Band II, Conductor of the Concert Band, Conductor of the Percussion Ensemble, Director of the CETA Jazz Ensemble and Associate Director of Bands.  Prior to accepting employment at Jackson State, Mr. Duplessis was an award winning band director at Eastside High School in Amite, Louisiana where his bands frequently earned superior ratings at the local, regional, and State band festivals.

His responsibilities at Jackson State University included charting and coordinating drill and show designs for the marching band. Over a thirty-year span at the University, he was instrumental in the composition and design of more than 300 halftime performances by the marching band, numerous performances at various collegiate classics as well as twelve performances at the National Football League, and a special performance at the National Basketball Association All Star Game.  Also during his tenure, the band performed at special events such as the Braniff Battle of Bands in Dallas, Texas and the national televised special Motown 30th Anniversary in Los Angeles, California.

As the Associate Director of Bands, he assisted in the design and implementation of the renowned “Tiger Run On” and the infamous floating JSU.  Mr. Duplessis’s career at JSU has provided exciting moments through his association with Mr. William “Prof” Davis, Dr. Dollye M. E. Robinson, Dr. Estus Smith, Dr. Jimmie James, Jr., Mr. Harold Haughton, Mr. Dowell Taylor, and Dr. Lewis Liddell, Sr.  He nostalgically recalls the origin of the name “Sonic Boom of the South,” when the name was first introduced through a student essay contest won by Evelia Jones/Charles Beard in 1972, and the changing of the title of the dance line from majorettes to Prancing J-Settes during Harold Haughton’s tenure.  Mr. Duplessis has touched the lives of many students.  Also, seven of his children and one grandchild participated in the Marching Band.

Mr. Duplessis received the Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from Southern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the Master of Science degree in School Administration and Supervision from Jackson State University, and the Certificate of Marching Band Technique/Marching Band Percussion from the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

He belongs to several organizations, including the College Band Director National Association-Southern Division, Percussion Arts Society and the National Association of Rudimentary Drummers.  He is a member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Prince Hall Mason, and the Kappa Kappa Psi Band Fraternity (Honorary Member).  Duplessis is a member of the New Hope M. B. Church in Pearl, Mississippi where he serves as Minister of Music.

Joe Goree, Assistant Band Director, 1970

Joe Goree holds a Bachelor’s degree from Wiley College, Marshall, Texas and a Master’s from Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogodoches, Texas.  In 1970, Joe Goree began his career at Jackson State University as Instructor of Music and Assistant Band Director.  Goree was an assistant under Harold Haughton, where he assisted Haughton in developing many of the icons for which “The Sonic Boom of the South” is known.

Shirley Middleton Blakley, Dance Line Sponsor, 1970-1975

Shirley Middleton Blakley holds Bachelor’s degree from Jackson State University, where she was a majorette for four years.  Upon graduating from Jackson State, Blakley became the majorette sponsor.  By many, Blakley is best remembered as the originator of the concept of a dance line at Jackson State.  In 1971, Shirley Middleton Blakley met with Dr. John A. Peoples, the University’s sixth president, and requested that they be permitted to “put down their batons.”   Dr. Peoples approved the requested and thus J-Sette legends were born.

Narah Oatis, J-Settes Sponsor, 1975-1997

Narah Oatis is a native of Jackson, Mississippi, where she attended Jim Hill High School.  Bachelor’s degree in Health Physical Education & Recreation from Lincoln University in 1974. She received a Master’s degree in Health Physical Education &Recreation with Concentration in Adapted Physical Education from Ohio State University in 1975. In 1988, she received a Specialist degree in Health Physical Education &Recreation Physical Education.

She has been employed with Jackson State University since 1975. She has served as a Dance Consultant for Operation Shoestring, Co-Director for Community Based Teen Pregnancy Prevention Project (1996-97), and is presently the Co-Project Coordinator of the Cultivating Talent for Teaching Project (CTTP).

Mrs. Oatis has served as Director/Assistant Director for JSU Dance Ensemble (1975-present), Director JSU Prancing J-Sette Dance Group (1975-1997), HPER Advisor, Director of Summer Dance Workshops, Dance Consultant for Operation Shoestring, present Boys and Men Mentor Program, Senior Class Advisor, HPER Club Assistant Advisor, Physical Education Schedule Committee HPER Department, University Faculty and Staff Retirement Committee, International Festival Committee, Jackson Gospel Awards, Jackson Rhythm and Blues Awards, and Smith Robertson Senior Citizens Center. Southern District Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance National Dance Association Mississippi Dance Association, Board Member: Mississippi Dance Association (1995-2000), Council Member: MAHPERD- Adapted Physical Education: Minority Council (1995-1998). Her current Professional and Academic Association Memberships include Mississippi Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (MAHPERD).

Among Mrs. Oatis recognitions are Volunteer of the Year 2000, Pecan Park School- Excel Program Service Award 1999,School of Education, 21 Years of Dedicated Service Award 1999, School of Education, Outstanding Dance Educator Certificate 1999, Southern District Dance Division AAHPERD Twenty Years or More of Service 1999 Certificate, HPERD Department, Twenty Years or More of Service 1999 Certificate, Jackson State University, Dance Educator of the Year 1998, MAHPERD In Appreciation For Kindness 1998 Award. Operation Shoestring Staff & Kids, Outstanding Service 1998 Certificate- YMCA Athletic Youth Camp, Outstanding Accomplishments In Entertainment 1997 Award, Jackson Music Award, Four Years of Dedicated Service 1997 Award, Senior Class, Teaching Recognition 1997 Certificate, School of Education, and Service Award 1996, School of Education.

In 1975, Mrs. Oatis was named Director of “Prancing J-Settes, where she served until 1997. Under her leadership, the name was officially changed to “Prancing J-Settes.”

James Holden, Assistant Band Director, 1978-1984

James Holden holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree and Master of Music Education degree from Jackson State University.   Also, he did further studies at North Texas State University.  He came to Jackson State in 1978 as an assistant band director.  Holden is an excellent saxophonist and a prolific arranger.  Many of his arrangements are standards for “The Sonic Boom of the South.”   Holden is currently employed at Virginia State University as Instructor of Music, Director of the Jazz Ensemble, and Arranger for the marching band.

Byron Gregory, Assistant Band Director, 1984-1992

In 1984, Byron Gregory began his career at Jackson State University as Assistant Band Director.  Gregory was an excellent clarinetist and a prolific arranger and composer

Paul I. Adams, Assistant Director of Bands, 1986-1999

Paul Adams holds a Bachelor degree from Southern University, Baton, Rouge, Louisiana and Master of Music Education degree for Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.   While at Jackson State University, Adams was Conductor of the University’s Brass and Trombone Ensembles,  Assistant Director of Bands and Assistant Professor of Music.  Also, he was Chief Arranger for the marching band.  Paul Adams was a prolific arranger.  Many of his arrangements are standards for “The Sonic Boom of the South.”

Some of his credits include:

• Assistant Director of Bands and Chief Arranger, Southern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
• Associate Director of Bands and Chief Arranger, Norfolk State University, Norfolk, Virginia
• Director of Bands, Howard University, Washington, D. C.

Paul Adams is currently Associate Director of Bands at Norfolk State University, Norfolk, Virginia.

William Beathea, Assistant Band Director, 1993-1999

William Beathea is a music performance graduate of Ball State University and Eastern Illinois University, at Jackson State, he was Coordinator of Percussion and Assistant Band Director.  He studied with Dr. Erwin Mueller and Professor Johnny Lee Lane.  He is currently Assistant Band Director at Norfolk State University, Norfolk, Virginia.

Dr. Michael Magruder, Assistant Band Director, 1993-2004

Dr. Michael Magruder holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree with honors from Jackson State University, a Master of Music degree in performance from Louisiana State University Baton, Rouge, Louisiana, and the Doctor of Arts degree from the University of Mississippi.  Dr. Magruder came to Jackson State University in 1993 as Assistant Band Director.  In 2000, he was promoted to Associate Director of Bands and Chief Arranger. Dr. Magruder is an excellent clarinetist and a prolific arranger.  Many of his arrangements are standards for “The Sonic Boom of the South.”

Some of his credits include:

• Band Director, Landry High School, New Orleans, Louisiana
• Director of Bands, Texas College, Tyler, Texas
• Band Director, Thompson Junior High School, Natchez, Mississippi

Dr. Magruder is currently Director of Bands at Winston Salem State University, Winston Salem, North Carolina.

Kathy P. Worthy, Dance Line Sponsor (J-Settes), 1997-Present

Kathryn Pinkston-Worthy is a native of Jackson, Mississippi. She is a graduate   of Provine High School where she was the first black drum major in school history. Mrs. Worthy received the Bachelor of Science degree in Finance with honors and the Master of Business Administration from Jackson State University. While a student at Jackson State University, she was a member of the Prancing J-Settes Dance Line for four years, two of which she served as the captain of the group.

Mrs. Worthy is noted for assisting with the choreography of routines, teaching various marches, and costume design. Under her direction, the Prancing J-Settes are performing at a very high level, with precise execution of fast difficulty, exciting, and flamboyant moves that grab the crowd’s attention at each performance.

In 1998, Mrs. Worthy was honored by Jackson, Mississippi City Council for being an outstanding citizen in the city of Jackson and the State of Mississippi for her contributions as director of the Prancing J-Settes. Also, under her leadership, in 1999 and 2000, the Prancing J-Settes were selected as “Dance Troupe of the Year.”

Dr. Crystal Sweepson Britton, Assistant Band Director, 1996-1997 and 2000-2001

Dr. Crystal Sweepson Britton holds a Bachelor of Music degree in performance from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, a Master of Music degree in performance from the University of Michigan, and the Doctor of Music Arts degree in performance from the University of Southern Mississippi.  Dr. Britton is an excellent French Horn performer and teacher.

Dr. David N. Ware, Assistant Director of Bands, 2000-2007

Dr. David Ware is Assistant Professor of Music and Assistant Director of Bands at Jackson State University, where he directs the New Jazz Ensemble, Brasswind Ensemble, and Trumpet Ensemble.  Dr. Ware’s duties at JSU also include teaching applied trumpet, baritone, and online music appreciation courses.  He holds the degrees Doctor of Music (Florida State University), Master of Music Performance and the Performer’s Certificate (Eastman School of Music), and Bachelor of Music (University of Wyoming).  A soloist, chamber, jazz musician, clinician, and recipient of numerous scholarships including the American Symphony Orchestra League Scholarship, the Wynton Marsalis Scholarship (Eastern Music Festival), and International Trumpet Guild conference scholarships, Ware has performed with the Memphis Chamber Orchestra, Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra, New World Symphony Orchestra, and the Walt Disney All-American College Jazz Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Ron McCurdy.  His professional affiliations include the Pi Kappa Lambda National Honorary Music Fraternity, the College Band Directors National Association, the International Association for Jazz Education, and the International Trumpet Guild.  Dr. Ware’s research interests include problem-based learning in music education and music for trumpet ensembles.

Joe Ringold, Assistant Band Director, 2000-2005

Joe E. Ringold III, Percussionist and assistant band director with Jackson State University since 2000, is experienced as a professional musician since 1977. Working as an orchestral musician, jazz artist, including work as a drum set and vibraphone soloist, and teaching on the university level. He received his bachelors and masters degrees from the University of Kentucky, and is currently completing the Doctor of the Arts at the University of Mississippi.

Ralph Chapman, Assistant Band Director, 2002-2003

Ralph Chapman holds a Bachelor degree from Southern University, Baton, Rouge, Louisiana and a Master degree for Eastern Illinois University.  He served as Assistant Band Director at Jackson State University for one year, 2002-2003.  Also, he was formerly the Director of Bands at Alabama State University, Montgomery, Alabama.

Dr. Paxton Girtmon, Associate Director of Bands, 2004-2007

Paxton M. Girtmon is Assistant Professor of Music and Associate Director of Bands at Jackson State University.  He holds a Bachelor of Music Education with honors, a Master of Music, from Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, LA, and a Doctoral of Musical Arts, in conducting, from the University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS.

Shortly after moving to Georgia, Dr. Girtmon became the Associate Director of Bands, Fort Valley State University, Fort Valley, GA, where he directed the Fort Valley State University Symphonic Winds and co-directed the “Blue Machine” Marching Band and Pep Band.

Dr. Girtmon was Assistant Professor of Music, Texas Southern University, Houston, TX, (1998-2001). There he governed over the world renowned “Ocean of Soul” Marching Band, directed the Texas Southern University Wind Ensemble, Pep Band, and Saxophone Choir. The Texas Southern University Wind Ensemble, under the baton of Dr. Girtmon performed at the 2001 National Association for the Study and Performance of African-American Music(NASPAAM), in Birmingham, AL.

Dr. Girtmon has also published five articles: 1) “Julian Cassander Work: One of the Few, the Proud, the Twentieth-Century, African-American, Impressionist Composers of Wind Band Literature.” - The National Association of African-American Studies (NAAAS), Fine Arts 2000 Monograph Series (Copyright 2000) and 2) “A Biographical and Analytical Study on Julian Cassander Work and his Compositions.” - Dr. Estrella’s Abridged Dictionary of Composers (Copyright 2000). 3) “We Shall Not Be Moved,” Portraits of the Bible: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego,” by Julian Cassander Work: One of America’s Forgotten Twentieth-Century African-American Impressionist Composers of Wind Band Literature.”-Fine Arts 2001 Monograph Series-(Copyright 2001.) 4) “Autumn Walk: A Musical Portrait”-Fine Arts 2002 Monogragh Series-NAAAS (Copyright 2002.) 5) “Ulysses Kay: The Man and his Musical Craft: 1917-1995.” - Dr. Estrella’s Abridged Dictionary of Composers (Copyright 2002). Dr. ESTRELLA’S ABRIDGED DICTIONARY OF COMPOSERS

Dr. Girtmon has performed professionally with the Shreveport Symphony and Northwestern Natchitoches Symphony where he performed with Jazz legend Pete Fountain, the world renowned Ray Charles, and former “Tonight Show’s” band leader, “Doc” Serverson.

Dr. Girtmon is a member of Texas Music Educators Association(TMEA); Texas Bandmasters Association(TBA); College Music Society; Texas Black Music Educators(TBME); National Association of the Study and Performance of African-American Music(NASPAAM); Texas State Chairman for the National Association for African-American Studies(NAAAS); Kappa Kappa Psi Music Fraternity; Kappa Delta Pi Educational Honor Fraternity; Blue Key National Honor Fraternity; Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., and various other fraternal and service organizations.

Dr. Girtmon frequently lecturers on African-American music, especially Twentieth-Century composers and their compositions. His recent lectures were for the National Association for African-American Studies(NAAAS) and the National Association for the Study and Performance of African-American Music(NASPAAM). Dr. Girtmon has an active conducting schedule and is a frequent honor band clinician and adjudicator for concert band events

Renardo Murray, Assistant Band Director, 2004-Present

Renardo Murray is Assistant Band Director and Instructor of Music at Jackson State University.  He received the Bachelor of Music Education degree from Alcorn State University, Lorman, Mississippi and the Master of Music Education degree from Jackson State University.  Murray has had extensive experience as a junior high and high school band director.  He is a superb bandmaster, disciplinarian, motivator and teacher.  His bands have consistently received superior and excellent ratings at State and local band festivals.  At Jackson State his teaching duties include assisting with the marching band and concert band, directing the pep band, teaching applied tuba and music appreciation.  His affiliations include the Music Educators National Conference (MENC), the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA), and Kappa Kappa Psi Band Fraternity.

 Owen Rockwell Assistant Band Director, 2006-Present

Owen Rockwell began his career at Jackson State University as assistant band director.  Owen Rockwell holds a Bachelor of Music degree and Master of Music degree in percussion performance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  At the University of Illinois, he studied percussion under William Moersch and Thomas Siwe.  He did additional studies at the Aspen Music School and Festival-Aspen, Colorado, where he studied under Thomas Stubbs and Douglas Howard.  Rockwell has extensive experience as a professional musician, performing all types of music; classical, shows, and pop.

Lowell Hollinger Assistant Band Director, 2007-Present

A Miami, Florida native, Lowell Hollinger is a graduate of Jackson State University in Jackson, MS(BS, 2003; BM, 2005), and Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA(MM Clarinet Performance 2007).  He will begin working on his doctorate this fall in Higher Education Administration at the University of Southern Mississippi. He has received private instruction on clarinet with Jerry Simas of the New World Symphony Orchestra in Miami Beach, Florida; Dr. Michael Magruder clarinet professor at Jackson State University; the former principal clarinetist of the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra Jim Moritsugu in Jackson, Mississippi, and Dr. Justin O’Dell assistant professor of clarinet at Michigan State University.

Mr. Hollinger began a career as a musician in the sixth grade playing the bassoon.  He then moved to the alto saxophone and continued that throughout high school and college.  It wasn’t until his freshmen year in High School where he began to play the clarinet (which became his first love) to challenge himself musically and hasn’t looked back since.  He has been involved in many different honors bands such as; the Orange Bowl Honors Band, the Dade County All-City Band, the University of Miami Honors Band, and the Florida A&M University Honors Band.  Mr. Hollinger has also performed with several Orchestras such as the New World Symphony Orchestra in Miami Beach, FL and the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra.  He has performed solo literature with the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, the Jackson State University Symphony Orchestra, at Delta State University’s-Clarinet Symposium, and Winston-Salem State University.  Finally, he has served as principal chair of numerous ensembles such as; the Jackson State University Symphonic Wind Ensemble, the Jackson State University Symphony Orchestra, the Jackson State University Woodwind Ensemble,  the Florida A&M University Honors Band, and is correctly a clarinetist with the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra.

Mr. Hollinger is correctly Instructor of Music and Assistant Band Director of the world renowned “Sonic Boom of the South” at Jackson State University.  In addition, he is also the conductor of the University Woodwind Ensemble.