Dr. L. Gene Black has been a life member of NAfME /AMEA since 1960 and has frequently served as a choral festival adjudicator, guest conductor and choral clinician across the country. He has received numerous honors, awards and holds membership in several professional societies. He is respected throughout the country and abroad as a music educator, conductor of the renowned Samford University A Cappella Choir, and currently as conductor of the A Cappella Alumni Choir. Dr. Black is widely recognized for his work in the area of a cappella choral music and has brought worldwide recognition to Alabama through the lasting and positive impressions his choirs have made across Europe and Asia in 27 international tours. Dr. Black holds the Bachelor’s Degree in music education from Samford University, and the Master of Arts, Educational Specialist and the Ph.D. from the University of Alabama. His career began as a choral teacher in secondary education until his return to Samford in 1965 as associate conductor of the A Cappella Choir. He was conductor of the choir 1967-1999. During his 35 year teaching tenure at Samford he was Professor of Music/Music Education, Director of Choral Activities, Associate Dean of the School of Music and Dean of the School of Music.

Colonel Carleton Butler was born February 2, 1907 in Edinberg, Ohio and died May 27, 1993 in Ashville, North Carolina. He attended high school in Warren, Ohio graduating in 1924. He attended Dana’s Musical Institute from 1924-28; Kent State University from 1928-32; and the University of Alabama in 1935. He was band director in the Elementary School in Birmingham, Alabama in 1929-30; Ramsay High School, Birmingham, Alabama 1930-34; and the University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, Alabama from 1935 until his retirement in 1969. He was also band director at Tuscaloosa High School from 1935 until 1946. During his 34 years as band director at the University of Alabama, Colonel Butler was a driving influential force behind the band movement in the State of Alabama. In 1939 he called a meeting of Alabama band directors at the University of Alabama to form the Alabama Bandmasters Association of which he was elected the first President. Colonel Butler was loved by his band members and respected by his peers. He lifted the “Million Dollar Band” to National prominence through his insistence of high, quick stepping, elaborate maneuvers, and accuracy and style of musical performance. He conceived the fabled time, temperature, and score drill that baffled and delighted fans at home and at the many national appearances at the major bowls. Colonel Butler was appointed Honorary Colonel in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, University of Alabama in 1940 and appointed Honorary Colonel in the Great State of Alabama by Governor John Patterson in 1959. In 1968 he was presented a plaque by the University of Alabama Student Body, for 34 years of outstanding service to the University and the “Million Dollar Band” . Also in 1968 he was presented a Certificate of Appreciation for “Outstanding Service to Music Education in the State of Alabama” for serving as president of the Alabama Music Educators Association in 1956 and 1958. In 1969 a resolution was enacted and appointment as Professor Emeritus of Music upon retirement was conferred on Colonel Butler by The Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama. Also, a resolution was enacted by the Alabama House of Representatives, the Senate concurring that the legislature expressing appreciation to Colonel Carleton K. Buler for 34 years as director of The University of Alabama Band. He was awarded the “Outstanding Bandmasters Award” by Phi Beta Mu, national bandmasters honorary fraternity in 1969. In 1979 $10,000 was donated by former students and friends for the University of Alabama scholarships in the name of Colonel Butler and in 1980, to honor Colonel Butler, the Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama the naming and dedication of the band practice field, “Butler Field”. Colonel Butler was inducted into the Phi Beta Mu Alabama Bandmasters Hall of Fame in 1976.

Dr. Ed Cleino taught in public schools in Missouri before coming South and teaching at Vanderbilt University 1939 to 1942. He entered the Army Air Force in 1942, and was commissioned in 1943. Dr. Cleino served at several airfields before being assigned to the 20th Air Force on Guam, where the mission was “round trips” to Japan. Following WW II, he and his young family moved to the University of Alabama in 1949, as the College of Education was opening its Music Education program. Dr. Cleino designed and opened Alabama’s first Master’s Program in Music Education in 1951, followed by doctoral programs in 1960. He has been a member of the Music Educators National Conference (later renamed National Association for Music Education) for 70 years, and was President of the Southern Division 1969-1973. He edited Ala Breve for about ten years, and served as AMEA Membership Chairman for many years. With the opening of the state-wide “Educational Television Network,” beginning in 1956, Dr. Cleino taught TV music lessons designed for in-school use. The series, called “Music Time,” was used by 50,000 to 65,000 children each week, with the program continuing for 17 years. Though Dr. Cleino retired in 1978, he continued to serve as a mentor to undergraduate music students at UA. His greatest pride was in the success of his former students in their teaching of music in Alabama and in many other states.

A graduate of the Horner Institute of Fine Arts with a Bachelor of Music, William Levi Dawson later studied at the Chicago Musical College with professor Felix Borowski, and then at the American Conservatory of Music where he received his masters degree. Early in his career he served as a trombonist both with the Redpath Chautauqua and the Chicago Civic Symphony Orchestra. His teaching career began in the Kansas City public school system, which was later followed by a tenure with the Tuskegee Institute from 1931–1956. During this period, it was he who appointed a large number of faculty members that later became well known for their work in the field. Additionally, Dawson also developed the choir, the Tuskegee Institute Choir, into an internationally renowned ensemble; they were invited to sing at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall in 1932 for a week of six daily performances. As a composer, Dawson began at a young age, and it was early on in his compositional career that his Trio for Violin, Cello and Piano was performed by the Kansas City Symphony Orchestra. Besides chamber music, he is also known for his contributions to both orchestral and choral literature. His best known works are arrangements and variations on spirituals; his Negro Folk Symphony of 1934 garnered a great deal of attention at its’ world premier, under the direction of Leopold Stokowski with the Philadelphia Orchestra. The symphony was later revised in 1952 with greater African rhythms inspired by the composer’s trip to West Africa. The composition was – the composer conveyed – an attempt to convey the missing elements that were lost when Africans came into bondage outside of their homeland. In creating this work, Dawson was influenced by the nationalistic views of Dvorˇák. Widely performed, his most popular spirituals include Jesus Walked the Lonesome Valley, Talk about a Child That Do Love Jesus and King Jesus Is a-Listening.

Dr. William R. Denison came to Troy University in the fall of 1967.  A native of Michigan, he received Bachelors and Masters Degrees from the University of Michigan and completed the Ph.D at Florida State University in 1969.  Since retiring in June 2005 from administrative duties as Director of the School of Music, he continues to teach piano and organ part time.  From 1971-1998 he was director of the Collegiate Singers and conducted annual winter performances of major choral works for over 25 years.  Dr. Denison also conducted many productions of the opera workshop and musical theatre at Troy University, ranging from grand operas such as Rigoletto and Faust to Broadway standards like Oklahoma and My Fair Lady.  He remains active with Collegiate Singers as conductor emeritus and as organist and director of music at St. Marks Episcopal and First Presbyterian Churches in Troy.  He acts as a liaison between Troy University and Troy Arts Council and has secured a number of grants to assist in the presentation of guest artists and major productions on campus.  He is married to Jane Denison and has two sons, Joey and Rae, both TSU graduates, and five grandchildren.

Gene Gooch was born on November 17, 1932 on the U.S. Corps of Engineers Reservation at Florence, Alabama. He was educated in Florence City Schools and graduated from Coffee High School in 1950. Gene began music study on alto saxophone in 1944 and began the study of bassoon in 1947. He studied bassoon privately with Mr. Pasquale Bria, who was band director in Cullman. Gene also studied alto saxophone and sousaphone under Mr. Floyd C. McClure, the band director at Coffee High School. He attended Murray State College in Kentucky after high school, but due to the outbreak of the Korean War, joined the U.S. Air Force after the first semester. He was a member of the Air University’s 604^th Air Force Band at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery Alabama and the 584^th Air Force Band at Eglin Air Force Base in Fort Walton, Florida. In the Air Force Gene played bassoon in the concert band and saxophone in the dance band, and acted as drum major in the marching band. During these years, he was a member of the Montgomery Symphony and an original member of the Pensacola Symphony. Upon discharge from the Air Force in January of 1955, he enrolled at the University of Alabama. Gene received the Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education in August, 1957. He played bassoon in the Million Dollar Band, University Symphony and the University Woodwind Quintet and was drum major of the Million Dollar Band. He also played with the Birmingham Civic Opera orchestra. Gene was a member of The Capstoners Dance Band, playing alto saxophone. In August 1960, he received the Master of Arts degree in Music Education from the University of Alabama. In 1957, he became Band Director at Sheffield High School. In 1962 Mr Gooch became Band Director at Colbert County High School. He was appointed Band Director at Appleby Middle School in Florence in 1966, and then Band Director at Coffee High School in 1972. The bands at Coffee High School consistently received Superior ratings at State Band Competitions and at other competitions. Mr. Gooch retired from Coffee High School in 1986 but taught woodwinds at The University of North Alabama as an adjunct faculty member until 2001. He served as Secretary-Treasurer of the Alabama Music Educators Association from 1972 through 1978. In 1979 Mr. Gooch became Secretary-Treasurer of the Alabama Bandmasters Association and remained in that position until his retirement from teaching in 1986. In 1991 he was asked to return to service as Executive Secretary of the Alabama Bandmasters Association. Mr. Gooch was a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and Phi Beta Mu, the International Bandmasters Fraternity. He was a past-president of Rho Chapter of Phi Beta Mu. Mr. Gooch was the first undergraduate at the University of Alabama invited to become a member of Phi Delta Kappa, national education honorary. Other professional affiliations include Music Educators National Conference, Alabama Music Educators Association, National Education Association and Alabama Education Association. He was a member of the Phi Beta Mu Alabama Bandmasters Hall of Fame and the University of Alabama Million Dollar Band Association Hall of Fame. In 1953, Gene married Virginia Reed Gooch. They had two children: Gena Gooch Cape and Michael Gooch.

Dr. Wilbur “Bodie” Hinton was director of bands at Auburn University from 1956 to 1969 and served as head of Auburn University Department of Music from 1969 to 1984. The band practice field at Auburn University was dedicated the Wilbur “Bodie” Hinton Field in the fall of 1986. Dr. Hinton is a member of Phi Beta MU, The American Bandmasters Association, the Alabama Music Educators Association, NAfME, Phi Kappa Phi, and ODK. He is a past president of the Alabama Music Educators Association and the Alabama Bandmasters Association. Dr. Hinton was inducted into the Phi Beta Mu Hall of Fame in 1976.

Dr. Johnny Jacobs was employed by the Jefferson County School System as a music educator for thirty-six years, from September, 1964 through August, 2000. His notable appointments were Dixie Junior High School, Minor High School, Berry High School, and thirteen years as Supervisor of Bands. Dr. Jacobs received the Doctor of Education degree from the University of Alabama in 1985, The Advanced Certificate in Music Education from the University of Illinois in 1975, the Master of Arts degree from the University of Alabama in 1968, and the Bachelor of Music Education degree from Birmingham-Southern College in 1965. Dr. Jacobs served as president of the Alabama Bandmasters Association from 1977-1979 and as president of the Alabama Music Educators Association from 1984-1986. He was inducted into Phi Beta Mu Rho Chapter’s Alabama Bandmasters Hall of Fame in 1997. His bands were successful and respected, receiving numerous superior ratings and “best in class” awards during his twenty-three years in the classroom. As an outgrowth of his doctoral dissertation, Dr. Jacobs published “Supplementary Material for Beginning Band, Fifteen Settings for Beginning Band and Pre-recorded Electronic Synthesizer”. This work, named “The Johnny Book” by the students and directors who use it, is currently used with significant success in several Birmingham area middle schools. Concurrently with his work in public education, Dr. Jacobs remained an active performer and teacher of trumpet. He played several years as principal trumpet with the Alabama Pops Orchestra, the Birmingham Symphony Pops Orchestra and as second trumpet with the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, forerunner of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. He taught trumpet at Birmingham-Southern College for thirty years and at Samford University for eleven years. After retiring from the Jefferson County Schools, Dr. Jacobs taught music education and trumpet for two years at the University of Alabama Birmingham. During subsequent years to the present he has assisted daily in band programs in the Birmingham area and maintained a private studio at Art’s Music Shop. He is affiliated as a conductor with the Birmingham Community Concert Band and plays principal trumpet with Celebration Winds. Dr. Jacobs now lives in a rural area near Warrior, Alabama. He is a deacon at First Baptist Church Warrior and also serves as Director of Discipleship Training. He and his wife Carol have five children and three grandchildren.

Dianne Johnson retired as the Director of the Department of Arts Education for the Jefferson County School System where she is responsible for overseeing the choral and elementary music, band, visual arts, theatre and debate programs of 52 schools. From 1996 – 2006 she served as the elementary and choral music supervisor and from 2000-2005 also served as the band supervisor overseeing the instrumental programs of 13 high schools and 11 middle schools. She has taught at all levels including elementary, middle, high school and college. She became a member of NAfME, the National Association for Music Education, as a college student and has remained active at both the national and state level since that time. Dianne is a Southern Division NAfME Past President and served as a member of the Benchmarks Committee for Content Standard Five. Other services to NAfME include: Clinician at the 1994 National Conference, NAfME National Certified Music Educator, 1991, participation in the Symposium for National Standards in the Arts and participation in the National Assembly and planning conferences of the Southern Division. She has also served as President of the Alabama Music Educators Association, president of the Elementary/General Division, and chair of the Society for General Music. Her articles have appeared in professional publications such as; Ala Breve, Collegiate Exchange, and Teaching Music. She has been honored as guest conductor and keynote speaker for numerous local, state, and national conferences. In 1989-90, the Alabama Music Educators honored her with its Outstanding Music Educator of the Year Award. Dianne holds Bachelor and Master of Music Education degrees from the University of Montevallo and a master’s level Orff Certificate from the University of Memphis.

Dr. John M. Long was Dean of the School of Fine Arts, Director of Bands and Distinguished Professor of Music Emeritus at Troy University. He was Past President of the prestigious American Bandmasters Association and was active as a guest conductor, speaker, clinician and adjudicator throughout the United States, Europe, Canada and Mexico. Dr. Long received many National and State Awards, including election to the NBA Hall of Fame of Distinguished Conductors, the AWAPA Award from the NBA, the Distinguished Service to Music Medal from Kappa Kappa Psi, the Gold Medal from the Sousa Foundation, the Governor’s Award from the Alabama Council of the Arts, the Outstanding Music Educator of the Year Award from the AMEA, the Barbara Odom Award from the AMEA, the Al Wright Award from the WBDNA and was elected to the Alabama Bandmasters Hall of Fame by the Phi Beta Mu. Dr. Long served 24 years on the Alabama Historic Commission, and was Past President of the Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce. Troy University has two buildings named for him. In 1998, the Board of Trustees renamed the school of music the John M. Long School of Music in his honor.

Floyd C. McClure was born August 28, 1914 in Oakley, Illinois. He graduated from Decatur High School in Decatur, Illinois in 1933. He received his Bachelor of Music Education Degree from Murray State College, Murray, Kentucky in 1937 and attended the University of Alabama from 1938 to 1941. He was band director at Thomasville High School in Thomasville, Alabama from 1937 until 1940; Coffee High School in Florence, Alabama from 1940 until 1972 where he taught band, glee club, biology, American government and economics. In 1972 he organized the new Weeden Junior High School Band and was their director until his retirement in 1976. During Mr. McClure’s tenure at Coffee High School the band was consistently awarded Superior and Excellent ratings at State Competition. They performed frequently in Mardi Gras parades in Mobile and New Orleans; performed at the Lion’s International Convention in Miami, Florida and the Orange Bowl Parade on two occasions. He was a charter member of the Alabama Bandmasters Association in 1939 and was among those who were responsible for organizing the first All-State Bands (there were two bands then). He later served as Vice-President and then as President from 1947. He pushed through legislation to authorize an ABA State Band Contest and organized the first one in 1947. It was held at the University of Alabama with 17 bands participating. He also organized the first All-State Band and Choral Festival held at the University of Alabama in 1947. He was a charter member, President and Vice-President of the Alabama Music Educators Association. He is a past member of AEA, NEA, NAfME, AMEA, and Phi Beta Mu and was a charter member of Gamma Delta Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha. Mac, as he was known to his friends, played with the Huntsville Symphony, the Florence Civic Orchestra and the Florence Big Band. He had a large number of students who became band directors. Mr. McClure was Choir Director at the First Methodist Church in Florence and for 20 years was Choir Director at Trinity Episcopal Church. He organized and directed the Tri-Cities Oratorio Association which presented “Messiah”, Brahms’ “Requiem” and “Elijah”. He was President of the Florence Teachers Association and was Treasurer for 10 years. Mr. McClure was inducted into the Phi Beta Mu Bandmasters Hall of Fame in 1984. He died on December 3, 2005 leaving two daughters, Marilyn Camp of San Antonio, Texas and Jackie Williams of Prattville, Alabama; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

A music educator since 1962, Dr. Frances Moss has taught band and choir in public schools, grades 1-12 and has taught at Calhoun Community College since 1966. At Calhoun, Dr. Moss has taught voice, piano, music theory, conducting and vocal ensembles, served as chairperson of the music department and initiated the Church Music Program. She founded the internationally known Chorale, Madrigal Singers and Alumni Musica. These ensembles were invited to perform nationally and internationally for professional events, took annual concert tours, performed for local, state, regional, Church and school groups, presented an annual Madrigal Dinner and performed for governors and presidents. The Alabama Honor Choir Festival, founded by Dr. Moss, was held at Calhoun Community College for 23 years. The event was conducted by nationally known clinicians and was a state-wide event for middle school choral students. In-service workshops, presented by Dr. Jack Platt, Aden Lewis, Dr. Joan Goree and other noted musicians, were provided for choral directors. During her tenure as president the “Choral Division” became the Alabama Vocal Association. The AVA instituted their first auditioned All-State Chorus, implemented required sight reading at both district and state choral festivals, gave the first medals to members of the All-State Chorus and established provision of certificates for choirs participating in Stat Competition Festivals. Dr. Moss edited the first AVA Handbook, wrote the Handbook for District Chairmen and the Handbook for Choral Adjudication. During her tenure as president of AMEA the first state convention was inaugurated bringing together all of the divisions for an in-service event. AMEA met at the Jefferson Davis Hotel in Montgomery. The event was staffed by music students from Calhoun Community College. The AMEA Handbook was developed, an official “logo” was designed for AMEA and the Ala Breve, the Former Music Educators Division and College Division were established and the Outstanding Music Educator Award was instituted. Dr. Moss also served as interim editor of the Ala Breve. She served many years as historian, preparing materials for state and divisional projects. She was also chairman of the Student Division. Dr. Moss served on the board of the Southern Division and served on several national committees including a task force to develop goals and objectives for the improvement of music education in the United States. She served on numerous committees of the Alabama Association of College Music Administrators, served as chairperson for music for the Alabama Community College Association and wrote that group’s position paper to the State Board of Education in regard to Revised Standards for Teacher Education in Alabama. Dr. Moss served as General Chairman for the Curriculum Guide Committee for Vocal/Choral/General Music for the State Department of Education. Degrees held include a bachelor’s degree from Jacksonville State University, masters and doctorate from the University of Alabama and a doctorate from Covington Theological Seminary. Professional memberships include Pi Kappa Lambda, Kappa Delta Pi, Delta Omicron and NAfME. Dr. Moss has been frequently honored and received many awards in recognition of her accomplishments as a music educator. Awards from Calhoun Community College include Outstanding Faculty Member Award, External Service to the Community Award and the Carlton Kelley Teaching Excellence Award. Dr. Jack Platt endowed a music scholarship and Austinville United Methodist Church annually presents a music scholarship in her honor. AVA presented The Outstanding Service Award at the conclusion of her terms as president. Dr. Moss was awarded the inaugural Frances P. Moss Outstanding Choral Director Award by AVA. AMEA presented two Awards for Outstanding Service and has named her as an Outstanding Music Educator. Huntsville Choral Directors Association has presented her an Outstanding Service to Choral Music in Alabama Award. Dr. Moss received the national NISOD Excellence in Teaching Award from the University of Texas in Austin. She received several awards and recognitions from Governor George Wallace for her work with the Alabama Honor Choir and her music achievements. Dr. Moss is a composer, author, pianist, conductor, clinician, piano/vocal/choral adjudicator and speaker. She has served as adjudicator for Delta Omicron International Triennial Composition Competition and for Alabama Federation of Music Clubs Chamber Music Composition Competition. In December, 1999, Dr. Moss retired from full-time teaching to serve as Minister of Music and Laity at Austinville United Methodist Church, Decatur, Alabama. She continues to teach as an adjunct faculty member at Calhoun Community College.

Eleanor Nation received the B.S. and M.A. degrees in music from Middle Tennessee State and did summer studies at Bowling Green University (Ohio) and the University of Michigan. She retired after 22 years as choral director at Johnson High School in Huntsville, AL. She had previously taught at Davis Hills Jr. High School and was a part-time instructor at the University of Alabama, Huntsville. Ms. Nations’s choirs distinguished themselves by receiving superior ratings at district, state, regional, and national levels. Under her direction, Johnson Chorale earned nine regional and national Grand Championships. She has often been acknowledged for her expertise in the interpretation and performance of Renaissance and Romantic period music. Mrs. Nation has served Alabama Vocal Association as district chairman, secretary, president-elect, and president. While president, she wrote several articles about the life of a choral director that were re-printed in other state music journals. Ms. Nation has also served as Alabama president of American Choral Directors Association and in several capacities in Huntsville Choral Directors Association. While at Johnson High School, Ms. Nations’s choirs performed on numerous occasions for the Alabama Vocal Association workshops and Alabama Music Educators conventions. In addition, her choirs performed at three regional division conventions of American Choral Directors Association. Ms. Nation has conducted clinics on choral literature and guest conducted Honor Choirs in Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee. She is a frequent adjudicator throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and Arkansas. Two of Ms. Nation’s proudest and most humbling moments were being invited to conduct the Huntsville All-City Chorus SATB Choir and the Alabama All-State Men’s Chorus.