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The Road to Memphis: Building the Marching Band Dream
Candace Fridley | September 1, 2024“Excited doesn’t even begin to describe it—for our students, this is truly the opportunity of a lifetime,” said Steve Kauffman, director of bands at Fostoria City Schools in Ohio. Kauffman is referring to a very special upcoming performance he has planned for his marching band—the halftime show finale at the 2024 AutoZone Liberty Bowl in […] Read More... -
How to Choose the Right Travel Company for Your Music Group
Educational Tours | September 1, 2024Planning a trip for your music students is no small feat, and finding the right travel company can help make all the difference. The right partner will ensure the creation of a smooth, memorable experience that your students will cherish long after the trip concludes. Look for these factors in a travel company to ensure […] Read More... -
Two Factors That Set Elite Travel Partners Apart
Brayer Teague | September 1, 2024One of my greatest joys as an educator was coordinating performance tours for my school’s bands, choirs and orchestras. In 33 years of public-school teaching, I led 25 international and domestic tours. These opportunities expanded the classroom in ways that benefited my students for years to come. In the realm of performance travel, the right […] Read More... -
Jackson State University Orchestra
Angela Marlett | August 8, 2024SBO+: During my visit to JSU to work with their wind ensemble, I was struck by the quantity and quality of string performers. During the work on this series of articles is when I learned that JSU had the very first orchestra program at any HBCU. Among the many ensembles and areas of study that […] Read More... -
The Opera/South Company of Jackson, Mississippi: A Legacy of Cultural Enrichment and Artistic Excellence
Phyllis Lewis-Hale | August 8, 2024The Opera/South Company of Jackson, Mississippi, stands as a significant pillar in the cultural and artistic history of the region. It was founded in 1970 by the visionary Sister Mary Elise Sisson, a retired director of opera from Xavier University of Louisiana and chartered by the State of Mississippi in 1971 under the sponsorship of […] Read More... -
A Look Inside a Super Bowl Performance
Barbara Scott-Kolb | August 8, 2024Earlier this year, Jackson State University’s Sonic Boom of the South Marching Band received a once-in-a-lifetime invitation to participate in the Super Bowl, the most-watched television broadcast in America. A historic 123.7 million viewers tuned in to watch Super Bowl LVIII, which now marks the broadcast as the most-viewed event in United States television history. […] Read More... -
JSU Bands
Roderick Little | August 8, 2024The JSU band story began with Kermit Holly Sr., who was an outstanding educator and concert violinist, singer, organist, and pianist. He graduated from Jackson College Grade School in 1926. During his tenure at Jackson College Grade School, he studied violin with Frederick D. Hall, chair of the department of music of Jackson College. Hall […] Read More... -
Jackson State University’s Department of Music
Lisa Beckley-Roberts | August 8, 2024Jackson State University (JSU), located in Jackson, Mississippi is the state’s only designated urban research institution in the state of Mississippi and one of the largest historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the United States. Founded in 1877 as the Natchez Seminary Institute, JSU is now the largest HBCU in the state of Mississippi […] Read More... -
A Look at HBCUs and Their Music Programs
Thomas Palmatier | August 8, 2024In this month’s issue we take an UpClose look at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), more specifically, their music programs, by learning about what’s happening in music at Jackson State University in Mississippi. Why are we doing this? SBO+ readers, many of whom are music educators, play a critical role in guiding their students […] Read More... -
Getting in Shape for Band Camp
Barry Bernhardt | August 8, 2024So many times, we forget marching band members are athletes as well as musicians and performers. Band members are asked to march, play, and perform lots of choreography in extreme heat, all while carrying heavy equipment. In preparation for this type of physical activity we must do some individual training to take care of our […] Read More... -
Transforming Jazz Bands into Versatile Ensembles with Vocalists
Jennifer Madsen | May 6, 2024As a professional vocal coach who has worked closely with jazz bands, I invite band directors to consider integrating vocalists into their ensembles. This decision can transform your band’s musical journey, enriching your student’s educational experience and enhancing your performances’ overall impact. Over a decade ago, I was approached to consult with a junior high […] Read More... -
The Art of Jazz Programming
Joseph L. Jefferson | May 6, 2024One of the most important and exciting aspects of cultivating a thriving jazz program begins with intentional programming. Whether you are directing a middle school, high school, or collegiate ensemble, the goal is to find repertoire to showcase the strengths of your group. Ultimately, you want to select tunes to spark curiosity and encourage musical […] Read More...
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