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Sanford does forward march to become JSU’s new director of bands
Hailed nationally as the dean of bands for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, visiting assistant professor and recruiter O’Neill Sanford was elevated Wednesday from the role of interim to director of bands at Jackson State University in a ceremony that stunned the veteran music educator with experience spanning a half-century.
The well-kept secret promotion – unknown to most, and even Sanford – was met with excitement from faculty and staffers about a music program with perennial success.
In recognizing Sanford, President Carolyn W. Meyers said, “I’m so delighted. I love music. … Your being here is Providence. … This is about getting the best talent in front of our students. … (Sanford) is the dean of HBCU bands. I look at you as a special blessing. … It’s just plain destiny and good fortune to have you here.”
Meanwhile, Sanford said, “I’m shocked. One thing I said to the staff when I was appointed as the interim director of bands was that I needed to know everything that’s going on with this band program and to keep me informed. If you don’t, I’m going to write you up,” he said as the crowd roared in laughter. “I feel honored. This is so unnecessary. … But it’s an honor. I have a great feeling for people who show such appreciation,” he said.
Even Sanford’s wife hid the secret from him, said Dr. David O. Akombo, interim chair of the department of music. Akombo said the selection is “confirmation of the good works (Sanford) has done over the years.”
The music virtuoso said, “For whatever reason God brought me to Jackson State, I’m committed. We’re grateful to have such a great staff,” said Sanford, who succeeds the recently retired Dowell Taylor. Now, Sanford is pressing forward by building on past successes. He cited the band’s expansion to 349 members and an upcoming new fight song that he wrote for the university. “We’ve developed a monster here,” he said.
Dr. Mario Azevedo, dean of the College of Liberal Arts described Sanford as “a really good man” and transformative figure. “We appreciate your work and hope that you will continue doing what you’ve been doing.”
Entire article
Hailed nationally as the dean of bands for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, visiting assistant professor and recruiter O’Neill Sanford was elevated Wednesday from the role of interim to director of bands at Jackson State University in a ceremony that stunned the veteran music educator with experience spanning a half-century.
The well-kept secret promotion – unknown to most, and even Sanford – was met with excitement from faculty and staffers about a music program with perennial success.
In recognizing Sanford, President Carolyn W. Meyers said, “I’m so delighted. I love music. … Your being here is Providence. … This is about getting the best talent in front of our students. … (Sanford) is the dean of HBCU bands. I look at you as a special blessing. … It’s just plain destiny and good fortune to have you here.”
Meanwhile, Sanford said, “I’m shocked. One thing I said to the staff when I was appointed as the interim director of bands was that I needed to know everything that’s going on with this band program and to keep me informed. If you don’t, I’m going to write you up,” he said as the crowd roared in laughter. “I feel honored. This is so unnecessary. … But it’s an honor. I have a great feeling for people who show such appreciation,” he said.
Even Sanford’s wife hid the secret from him, said Dr. David O. Akombo, interim chair of the department of music. Akombo said the selection is “confirmation of the good works (Sanford) has done over the years.”
The music virtuoso said, “For whatever reason God brought me to Jackson State, I’m committed. We’re grateful to have such a great staff,” said Sanford, who succeeds the recently retired Dowell Taylor. Now, Sanford is pressing forward by building on past successes. He cited the band’s expansion to 349 members and an upcoming new fight song that he wrote for the university. “We’ve developed a monster here,” he said.
Dr. Mario Azevedo, dean of the College of Liberal Arts described Sanford as “a really good man” and transformative figure. “We appreciate your work and hope that you will continue doing what you’ve been doing.”
Entire article
