After more than two decades leading one of the most respected HBCU bands in the country, Alabama State University’s longtime band director, Dr. James Oliver, is stepping down.
) - After more than two decades leading one of the most respected HBCU bands in the country, Alabama State University’s longtime band director, Dr. James Oliver , is stepping down, and His students are sharing with what his legacy means to them.
For 26 years, Dr. James Oliver has been the heartbeat behind the Mighty Marching Hornets. But today, he says it’s time. “It didn’t take long for me to realize that okay I’m this part of my life has now come to a close, but my students are with me forever,” Oliver explained. Oliver says he nearly retired last year but stayed for one more incoming class; one more group to shape from “green to great.” “It is an amazing feeling,” he said. “It is a very very amazing feeling to see these young people come from students to young men and young ladies.”“When he received the band in 2000s, it was probably about 110 members, and so now that he is leaving the band, He’s leaving it with three times as much members as he started with, so that’s always a great thing,” said Jarvis Carlisle a former colleague and Mighty Marching Hornet.Oliver says his phone buzzed with messages for hours with students thanking him for the moments that shaped their futures. “Thank everybody for all your support over the years. I love you guys and I will be around,” said Dr. Oliver. From national TV performances to hundreds of halftime shows, Dr. Oliver leaves behind more than music, he leaves a legacy of leaders. Dr. Oliver is expected to officially retire next year. He says while he’s stepping away from the podium, he’s not stepping away from the students, promising he’ll still be around to support the Hornet family.Grammy-nominated singer Jubilant Sykes found stabbed to death at California home; son arrestedSelma’s Hampton Inn still working to resolve Thanksgiving sewage backup
WFSA WSFA 12 News Montgomery Alabama State Dr. James Oliver Oliver Band Director Retiring
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Fans of country music star with cancer ‘sobbing’ as his band serenades him in hospitalThe scene was both heartwarming and heartbreaking.
Read more »
Lone Samurai Review: It's a Swordsman Versus a Band of Cannibals With Uneven ResultsGregory Nussen is the Lead Film Critic for Screen Rant, with previous bylines for Deadline, Slant, Backstage, Salon and more.
Read more »
Liam McNeeley's development is right on schedule for the Charlotte HornetsMcNeeley's recent stretch of play is everything that the Hornets need to see.
Read more »
Shiba Inu (SHIB) Starts Looking Worrying for Bears, Bollinger Band SignalsShiba Inu (SHIB) held the daily midband right when it mattered most, and that quick bounce suddenly gives meme coin bulls a clean opening the market has not seen in weeks.
Read more »
The Prince who was Promised: Cam Boozer and the Charlotte Hornets are the perfect matchAnalyzing Cam Boozer's early-season success and detailing his fit with Charlotte.
Read more »
From 'Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers' to 'The Tick,' the 7 Best Superhero Shows That Are Free To Stream Right NowThe 'Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers' cast looking into the camera.
Read more »