Dr. Hooten served for 30 years as Director of Bands at Birmingham-Southern College. He graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1966 with a BME. He earned the MM in Performance from the University of Mississippi in 1971, and earned his DA in Music Education from the University of Mississippi in 1980.
Dr. Hooten began his teaching career at Clinton High School (Mississippi), where he served as Director of Bands from 1966-1970. He then served as Director of Bands at Lakeshore High School (Atlanta) from 1971-1975. He was appointed Assistant Director of Bands and Director of Jazz Band at the University of North Alabama, a position which he held from 1975-1978.
Dr. Hooten’s longest tenure was as Director of Bands and Director of the Music Education program at Birmingham-Southern College, where he served from 1980 until his retirement in 2010.
Ken
Dianne Johnson served at every level of general and vocal music from elementary through college. She retired as Director of the Department of Arts Education for the Jefferson County School System.
Dr. James Simpson was the chair of the Music Department at the University of North Alabama for 33 years. A native of Montgomery, he received his BME from the University of Southern Mississippi and his MM and DMA from the University of Mississippi. Dr. Simpson served as band director in Union, Mississippi and Canton, Mississippi. During his tenure, the Canton High School Band received outstanding ratings at the Mississippi State Band Festival and won the first annual Six Flags Over Georgia Concert Competition in 1969. While in Mississippi, Dr. Simpson performed in the Hattiesburg, Tupelo, Meridian, and Jackson Symphony Orchestras. He was a featured soloist with the Tupelo Symphony Orchestra and the University of Mississippi Concert Band. For two years, he served as Concert Director of the Mississippi Lions All State Band.
Dr.
John McAphee served as band director at Phillips High School (Birmingham) and Jess Lanier High School (Bessemer), and served as Coordinator of Fine Arts with the Birmingham City School System. He earned his bachelor’s degree in music education from Tennessee State University, a master’s degree in music education from Samford University, and EdS from the University of Montevallo. 
Tony L. Pike was band director at Davidson High School in Mobile as a culmination to a career in music education lasting 32 years. Mr. Pike graduated from Hogansville High School in 1977. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Troy State University.
Becky
John Baker served as the choral director at Enterprise High School for 27 years. He received his bachelor’s in music education from Auburn University and the master’s in music education from Troy University. He began his teaching career in Americus, Georgia before moving to his hometown of Enterprise, Alabama. In addition to his work at Enterprise High School, he has served as music director at Saint Luke United Methodist Church, a position he held soon after coming to Enterprise.
Pat
Sara Womack is Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator for Atlanta Public Schools. She earned a BS in music education and MA in music education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She earned a Doctor of Education degree in music education from the University of Georgia and a MA in educational leadership from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Steve McLendon served as Director of Bands at Dothan High School for over decades. He received his BME from Troy State University and his MA from the University of North Alabama.
