Birth Place

Jackson, Georgia

Total Years Teaching

37

Total Years Teaching in Georgia

37

Birth Date

June 3, 1954

Colleges and Universities

1976 - Florida A&M University, Bachelor of Music, Music Education

Teaching Experience

1976-1982 J.C. Murphy High School - 1976-1982

1982-2013 Lassiter High School 1982-2013

1999-present Founder and Conductor, Cobb Wind Symphony, an all-adult community band

Professional Organizations

Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity

Phi Beta Mu

ASBDA

NBA

GMEA (District Band Chair, Music Selection Committee Chair)

NAJE

NAfME

2011-present Co-Founder and National President of Minority Band Directors National Association (MBDNA)

Bands of America Educational Advisory Board

Midwest Clinic Educational Advisory Board

NAACP

Special Honors

National Band Association "Citation of Excellence" 16 times

Florida A&M University Gallery of Distinguished Alumni (Hall of Fame)

Bands of America Hall of Fame

American Bandmasters Association

Southeastern United States Concert Band Clinic "Citation of Excellence"

The John Philip Sousa Foundation "Order of Merit"

Phi Beta Mu "Outstanding Bandmaster Award"

GMEA Distinguished Career Award

$1.5 million Alfred L. Watkins Band Building at Lassiter HS named in his honor

Conducted All-State Bands in North Carolina, Colorado, Arizona, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Indiana and Virginia

Recipient of Turknett Leadership Character Award

Kennesaw State University Flourish Award

Leader of the Band Award for one of most admired band directors in America

Image Award from 100 Black Men of North Georgia

STAR TEACHER (6 times)

Phi Beta Mu Educator of the Year Award

Teacher of the Year

Associate Director, Atlanta Olympic Marching Band

Two doctoral dissertations written with Mr. Watkins and his work with the Lassiter Band as their subject (Matt Thomas, Florida State University and Sue Samuels Auburn University)

Recipient of the Citation of Excellence from the United States House of Representatives

Citation of Excellence from Cobb County Board of Commissioners

Special Citation entered into Congressional Record of U.S. Congress

Only conductor in America to hold three Sudler Awards simultaneously (Sudler Flag, Sudler Shield, Sudler Scroll)

Served as a guest conductor, lecturer, or judge in 39 states

Year Inducted

2013

Sponsor

Jeffrey Rowser