Faculty and Staff

Kenneth Beck
Lecturer of Music - Music Industry
102 B Long Hall
beck@troy.edu 

Mr. Kenneth Beck is a Lecturer of Music Industry at Troy University where he teaches music technology courses in the John M. Long School of Music. He serves as the Technical Director and co-produces the Music Industry ensemble “POPulus” and works with the “Sound of the South” Marching Band. Mr. Beck earned his Bachelor and Master of Music Education degrees from Troy University and is currently enrolled in Troy’s new Master of Business Administration degree with a focus in Music Industry.

Prior to his appointment to the faculty, Mr. Beck served as a Graduate Assistant for the Troy University Band program coordinating the logistical and operational aspects of the program. He worked with the Symphony Band, Concert Bands, and “Sound of the South” marching band as a conductor, contributor, and audio engineer. He also assisted in the production and management of many university-sponsored events, including the 80th Annual Convention of the American Bandmasters Association held in March 2014 and SEUS Honor Bands, Honor Choirs, and Summer Leadership Camps held annually. 

Since his appointment to the faculty, Mr. Beck’s students have excelled and created opportunities to represent Troy University across the state as well as overseas. As part of the 2019 Summer Arts Academy, Troy University’s POPulus performed a series of events in Pietrasanta, Italy. POPulus also performed for the Bicentennial at the request of the Governor of Alabama. Most recently, Mr. Beck’s students fully produced and engineered the inaugural Battle of the Bands hosted by AMIEA in Muscle Shoals, AL. Mr. Beck continues to prepare students to work in the music industry as technical engineers by providing authentic experiences to grow and network.

As an industry professional, Mr. Beck has worked as a notation engraver and recording engineer for several music publisher companies, including RWS Music Company and Excelcia Music Publishing. He currently serves as the Technical Director for the Alabama State Games Opening Ceremony, an annual, televised event that brings together the state’s Olympic-bound athletes. Mr. Beck also works closely with Troy University’s Department of Theatre and Dance as a sound designer, engineer, and technical consultant.

As a small business owner, Mr. Beck provides concert production and recording services across the region. Additionally, his work with local concert production companies as an engineer, stagehand, and technician has led to work with a variety of artists, including Trace Adkins, Teddy Gentry, Linda Davis, and Shane Owen to name a few.

Mr. Beck is a founding member of the Alabama Music Industry Educators Association and maintains his membership with Alabama Music Educators Association, Music Entertainment and Industry Educators Association, Phi Kappa Phi, Omicron Delta Kappa, Kappa Kappa Psi, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.

Mr. Beck lives in Dothan, AL with his wife, Kelli, and daughter, Finley.

T. Adam Blackstock, D.M.A.
Professor of Music- Percussion
123 Long Hall
tblackstock@troy.edu 
(334) 670-3986

Nationally and internationally recognized soloist, recitalist, and clinician, Dr. T. Adam Blackstock currently serves as Professor of Music and Director of Percussion Studies at Troy University, and as Principal Timpanist with the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra. His duties at Troy University include: teaching private lessons and he leads the award-winning Troy University Percussion Ensemble, winners of the 2012 and 2015 Percussive Arts Society International Percussion Ensemble Competition and presenters of the PASIC 2019 “New Music Literature Session.” He earned a Doctoral of Musical Arts degree from the University of Kansas, a Master of Arts degree from Tennessee Technological University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Newberry College. Blackstock has studied percussion with Joseph Rasmussen and Kevin Bobo, and has studied conducting with Joseph Hermann.

In addition to performing recitals and administering clinics throughout the United States, Blackstock has performed internationally as a guest soloist in San Juan, Puerto Rico; Vilnius and Kaunas, Lithuania; Wroclaw, Warsaw, and Kolbuszowa, Poland; Prague, Czech Republic; Manchester, England; and, most recently, in Odessa, Ukraine. Blackstock has been featured as a soloist at four Percussive Arts Society International Conventions (2008, 2010, 2011 and 2017); the most recent of these being a keyboard showcase concert – Marimba and…. He currently serves the Percussive Arts Society as Chair of the Keyboard Committee, and is a former member of the Percussion Ensemble Committee. Blackstock is a former Vice-President and President of the Alabama Chapter of PAS, and has reviewed more than 150 new works and recordings for Percussive Notes.

Dr. Blackstock is a Black Swamp Percussion Artist Endorser, and an artist/clinician for Innovative Percussion Inc., Remo Inc., SABIAN Cymbals, Ludwig Drums, and Musser mallet instruments

Larry Blocher, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus- Graduate Music Education
Retired Dean- CCFA
Retired Director- John M. Long School of Music

Dr. Blocher received his BME and MM degrees from Morehead State University in Kentucky and his Ph.D. in Music Education from The Florida State University.

Dr. Blocher is a member of the editorial board of the Journal of Band Research and a Project and Committee Chair for the National Band Association.  He has served on the editorial board of the Music Educators Journal and the Advisory Board to the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic and has presented clinic sessions at the Midwest on 4 separate occasions.  He is a past president of the Kansas Bandmasters Association and received both the Outstanding Bandmaster and Outstanding Contributor to Music Awards from the Kansas Bandmasters Association. He is a past recipient of the Mortar Board Outstanding Educator Award and the University Leadership in the Advancement of Teaching Award (Wichita State).  He is recipient of the of the Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Commissioning Award and was named a Lowell Mason Fellow by The National Association for Music Education (NAfME).

Dr. Blocher has been a guest clinician/conductor/adjudicator in 33 states and 11 countries.  He is a co-principal author of the Teaching Music through Performance in Band series (GIA).

Carley Jo Broyles
Adjunct Instructor- Music Industry
cbroyles@troy.edu 

Carley Jo Broyles is a dynamic professional born and raised in Headland, Alabama, with a passion for the music industry, event coordination, marketing, leadership, and ministry. She holds a Master of Business Administration focusing on the Music Industry and a Bachelor's Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (Music Industry, Fine and Performing Arts, and Leadership) from Troy University. Carley Jo blends technical skills, leadership, and creativity in every project she undertakes. 

Carley Jo's professional journey includes roles as an Adjunct Instructor in the Music Industry Program at Troy University, a Production Technician/Audio Engineer at Premier Entertainment Group in Dothan, AL, and a Content Creator/Graphic Designer for RWS Music Company. 

From 2022 to 2024, she served as a Graduate Assistant in the Music Industry Program at Troy University, working closely with Robert W. Smith, a renowned composer, business owner, music industry educator, and the Troy University Music Industry Program coordinator. During this time, she performed numerous administrative duties, taught various courses such as Concert Production, Marketing of Recorded Music, and Survey of the Music Industry, and coordinated events. Her teaching emphasizes practical industry knowledge and real-world applications. 

Event coordination has been a significant part of Carley Jo's career. She has managed logistics, budgets, and collaborations for events like the MBA Music Industry “BPM Sessions” in Nashville, Tennessee, and various Troy University events, including the annual Music Industry event MIC Check. In recent years, she has served on the production team and recently as the Technical Director for the Alabama State Games Ceremony. Her marketing expertise involves developing and implementing strategies to promote programs and events, creating compelling graphics for social media, brochures, posters, and album covers. 

In the realm of production, Carley Jo started running audio with her dad and brother for wrestling shows and various church camps at an early age. She has served as Chief Engineer of Troy University’s American Popular Music Ensemble, POPulus, and as Lead Audio Engineer for numerous events and productions. In addition to audio, Carley Jo has extensive experience as an AVL Production Specialist, managing audio, video, and lighting for events to ensure high-quality audiovisual experiences. She has had the thrilling opportunity to be involved in major concerts, theater productions, corporate events, church gatherings, and wrestling shows. She has had the privilege of working with renowned artists and groups such as Paul Jackson Jr., Liberty DeVitto, Chris Vrenna, KC & The Sunshine Band, Alabama, Deborah Allen, Regina Belle, Alter Bridge, Sevendust, Kameron Marlowe, Blackberry Smoke, and Ernest. 

Beyond her professional pursuits, Carley Jo is deeply involved in ministry and volunteer work. She helped start and lead The Redeemed Girls Ministry, serving in various capacities such as audio engineer, event coordinator, and worship team member. She founded the Repairer of the Breach Young Adult Ministry and was the first intern for the Congregational Holiness Missionary Internship Program. Her missionary work includes internships and leadership roles in Honduras and the United States. 

Dave Camwell, D.M.A.
Professor of Music- Saxophone
109D Smith Hall
dcamwell@troy.edu
(334) 670-3282

Saxophonist Dr. Dave Camwell has received wide acclaim for his technique, expression and programming in both classical and jazz styles. Recently, he has collaborated extensively with Czech saxophonist Kateřina Pavlíková on a series of new works for their group, Covert Ensemble. These arrangements focus on creating virtuosic and compelling music for two saxes.

He is Director of Jazz Studies and Associate Professor of Music at Troy University in Alabama, and is a Yamaha, D'Addario, Beechler and Key Leaves Performing Artist with over thirty publications available through Jeanne, Dorn and UNC Jazz Press. 

Camwell studied at the universities of Calgary, Jacksonville State, Northern Colorado and Oregon. He is an active performer and clinician, having been guest artist at over forty universities throughout North America, as well as winning numerous awards, including 2nd-place in the 2000 North American Saxophone Alliance Biennial Jazz competition. He has performed with Norwegian Cruise Lines, at a variety of Jazz festivals, including Montreux and Brienz, Switzerland, and has also toured Taiwan with the Xplorium! Ensemble. Camwell has also performed with the orchestras of Iowa, Minnesota, Pensacola, Des Moines and NW Florida, as well as being a featured soloist with the New York Central City Chorus.  

His extensive discography covers a wide repertoire and range of styles and includes releases on the Parma, Innova, Enharmonic, Centaur, Teal Creek, and Mark labels. His latest release, “Second Wind” (Navona, 2019) features a wide range of works for saxophone with a variety of accompaniment, with works from the Baroque to the Contemporary. 

He has been a member of a variety of commissioning projects, as well as personally leading consortiums that have resulted in new works by Marc Mellits, Robert W. Smith, Martin Hybler and David Deboor Canfield.

Camwell has been selected as a featured classical (2012) and jazz (2023) soloist at two NASA Biennial Conferences.

Jillian Camwell, D.M.A.
Assistant Professor of Music- Oboe
210 Smith Hall
jcamwell@troy.edu
(334) 670-3500

Originally from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Dr. Jillian Camwell is the Assistant Professor of Oboe at Troy University, where she also teaches Class Piano. She holds degrees from the Universities of Oregon, Northern Colorado, and Calgary, and she has performed throughout North America, Asia, and Europe with a variety of theatrical, orchestral, and chamber music ensembles. 

Dr. Camwell can be heard on two recordings (Timescape, and Sonoroso) with her saxophonist husband, Dave Camwell. She recently released a recording of the complete 40 Progressive Melodies by A.M.R. Barret with Peter Cooper on the Teal Creek Music label. Each melody is played first in duet form with Mr. Cooper, then as a bassline only, where students can play along with Dr. Camwell. 

In addition to teaching at Troy, she holds the position of English horn and third oboe with Orchestra Iowa, English horn with Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, and substitute oboe and English horn for several regional orchestras. She resides in Troy with her husband and three children.  

Visit her website at www.jilliancamwell.com

Nicholas Ciulla
Adjunct Instructor- Trumpet
nciulla@troy.edu 

Nicholas Ciulla is currently Assistant Principal Trumpet of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, having joined the orchestra in 2015. Prior to his appointment in the ASO, Nicholas played Second Trumpet in the Wichita Symphony Orchestra from 2012-2014.

An avid educator, Nicholas serves as trumpet instructor for Mountain Brook City Schools, Trussville City Schools, and Hoover City Schools as well as an adjunct trumpet instructor at Troy University, Talladega College and the Alabama School of Fine Arts. Additionally, he has served semester appointments at Auburn University and the University of Montevallo.

Nicholas has a Bachelors of Music in Performance from Baldwin-Wallace University and a Masters of Music in Performance from Wichita State University and is currently pursuing his DMA at the University of Alabama. His principal teachers include Michael Sachs, Geoff Hardcastle, Mario Guarneri, Jack Sutte, David Hunsicker and Chris Moore.

Nicholas is an Endorsing Artist of Bach Trumpets.

Alan Clark, Ph.D.
Adjunct Instructor- General Music
102 HAL Hall
nclark2053@troy.edu 

Dr. Alan Clark has taught and conducted at all levels, from middle school to professional military bands. He received a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Florida in 1976 and accepted the Director of Bands position at Crystal Lake Junior High in Lakeland, Fla., where he also studied under William C. Miller and Tom Bishop.

Mr. Clark returned to the University of Florida in 1979 to serve as Gator Band graduate assistant. He was awarded a Master’s Degree in Saxophone Performance in June of 1981. That same year he was invited to join the saxophone studio of Jean Marie Londeix in Bordeaux, France, and was also offered a teaching assistantship at Louisiana State University. He accepted the LSU offer and served as a Tiger Band graduate assistant, directed the LSU jazz band, and studied arranging with John Edmunds.

In 1984 Mr. Clark returned to Lakeland, FL to become director of bands at Kathleen High School. While there he received the ASBDA Stanbury Award as the outstanding young band director in the State of Florida, and served as an adjunct music faculty member at Florida Southern College. In 1985 he joined the staff of the Suncoast Sound Drum and Bugle Corps, and for the next two years worked with Robert W. Smith, Frank Williams, Allan Murray, Mark Sylvester, Karl Lowe, Larry Clark, Kevin Ford, and others.

In 1987 Mr. Clark entered the U. S. Air Force, and served as saxophone section leader, Assistant Drum Major, and enlisted conductor of the Air Force Band of the West in San Antonio, Texas. In 1990 he was selected to become an Air Force Band Officer, and upon completion of Officer Training School moved to Ramstein Air Force Base, Germany, where he served as Deputy Commander of the Band of the United States Air Forces in Europe. While in Europe, he conducted concert tours, ceremonies, and special marching performances in seventeen countries across Eastern and Western Europe, and studied conducting with Burt Corderman, associate conductor of the Stuttgart Symphony Orchestra.

In October of 1993, he returned to the United States to become the Deputy Commander of the Air Force Band of Flight in Dayton, Ohio, as well as the rehearsal conductor of the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra. In 1995 Major Clark was selected to be the Commander and Conductor of The Band of the United States Air Force Reserve, Robins AFB, Georgia, a position he assumed in January of 1996. In 1997 he edited and co-wrote “Band Director Secrets of Success” with William C. Miller. He was selected in 2001 to design, teach, and direct the Air Force marching show for the prestigious Budokan International Tattoo in Tokyo, Japan. Major Clark accepted the appointment as AFROTC Commandant of Cadets at Louisiana State University in April 2004 where he served until his retirement from the Air Force in 2007.

While an Air Force music director Major Clark worked with such notable artists as Celine Dion, Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Lee Greenwood, Wynonna Judd, Crystal Gayle, Ernie Watts, Clint Black, and others. He is a member of Phi Beta Mu, the National Association for Music Education, National Band Association, Pi Kappa Lambda, Kappa Kappa Psi, and Phi Mu Alpha. He received his Ph.D. in Music Education with a minor in composition from LSU in 2012 and has since co-authored two texts; "Band Director Foundations for Success” (2013) and "Music: Past and Present” (2016).

Robert Clayson
Lecturer of Music- Marching Band and Drumline 
109E Smith Hall
rclayson@troy.edu
(334) 670-3232

Robert Clayson serves as a Lecturer of Music for the Troy University John M. Long School of Music. His duties at Troy University include teaching private lessons, teaching music theory and aural skills classes, and providing instruction for the “Sound of the South” Marching Percussion Section. Mr. Clayson earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Troy University in 2015 and his Master’s Degree in Percussion Performance from Indiana University in 2017. 

As a performer, Mr. Clayson is an active member of several regional orchestras across the Southeastern United States, including the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra and the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra. In 2012, Mr. Clayson performed with the Troy University Percussion Ensemble at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention as a member of the winning ensemble in the International Percussion Ensemble Competition. Mr. Clayson is an award-winning percussionist whose solo performances have been recognized and across the nation. In 2013, he received first place in the Percussive Arts Society Marching Festival Individual Collegiate Keyboard Competition, and he received first place in the 2017 Indiana Day of Percussion Collegiate Solo Marimba Competition. In addition to these honors, he was selected as a semi-finalist in the Great Plains International Marimba Competition in both 2014 and 2017.  

Mr. Clayson is a member of the Blackswamp Percussion Educator Network, an Innovative Percussion Artist, and a Remo Artist. His compositions are available through C-Alan Publications, Excelcia Music Publishing, Row-Loff Productions, Studio 4 Music, Tapspace Publications, and Wildlight Publications.  

Carlton Copeland
Lecturer of Music- Music Education, Gospel Singers
104 Smith Hall 
ckcopeland@troy.edu 
(334) 670-3502

Carlton Copeland is a lecturer of Music at the John M. Long School of Music. His duties include teaching music education courses, applied voice, and directing the Troy University Gospel Singers (TUGS) and the vocal jazz ensemble frequency. He holds degrees from Florida State University and Troy University.  

Mr. Copeland has taught grades seven through twelve in the Alabama public school system. In addition to his public school teaching experience, Mr. Copeland has served in church music for over a decade.  

Mr. Copeland’s professional affiliations include the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), American Music Educators Association (AMEA), Alabama Vocal Association (AVA), Jazz Educators Association (JEN), and National Association for Music Educators (NAfME).  

Troy University Gospel Singers 
Troy University Gospel Singers Instagram Page
Troy University Gospel Singers Facebook Page

frequency Vocal Jazz Ensemble 
Troy University Vocal Jazz Ensemble Instagram
frequency Vocal Jazz Ensemble Facebook Page

Benjamin Crook, D.M.
Assistant Professor of Music- Collaborative Piano
204 Smith Hall
bcrook224634@troy.edu
(334) 670-3593

A graduate from Florida State University's doctoral performance program, Benjamin Crook maintains an active repertoire of both classical works and new music. As an advocate for rising artists, he has commissioned piano work from Adam O'Dell and has performed music from composers including Samuel Adams, Mikhail Johnson, and Matthew Ramage. His recent projects include creating a commercial recording of Matthew Ramage's im(Balanced), a concerto for piano and chamber winds.

An active music teacher and judge, Benjamin has taught in classroom and private settings at institutes including Bowling Green State University, Florida State University, Bluffton University, and Wallace Community College. Additionally, he served as an active member of the Tallahassee Music Teachers Association, helping to organize festivals and participating as a judge for various events hosted by TMTA.

Samuel Fredrick
Assistant Professor of Music- Music Appreciation
fredrick@troy.edu

Matt Fulton, J.D.
Adjunct Instructor- Music Industry
mfulton143302@troy.edu

Matt Fulton is the Director, Business Affairs at Writers House, a prominent literary agency headquartered in New York City.  He is a member of the Copyright & Literary Property Committee and the Entertainment Committee of the New York City Bar Association.  As a passionate advocate for creators rights, he has lectured nationwide on topics related to intellectual property and the entertainment industry. 

Before joining Writers House, Matt was an attorney at a law firm in New York City, focusing primarily on entertainment and intellectual property matters. While in private practice, he regularly advised musicians, authors, music publishers, film producers, music managers, independent book publishers, tech startups, and small to midsize businesses.

Matt earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Brooklyn Law School, where he also received a Certificate in Intellectual Property, Media, and Information Law with distinction. During law school, he was a staff editor for the Brooklyn Journal of Corporate, Financial & Commercial Law and a Center for Urban Business and Entrepreneurship fellow.

He graduated cum laude from Troy University with a bachelor’s degree in music industry. While at Troy, Matt worked as a musician, playing bass trombone for the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra, and performing with various ensembles throughout the Southeast. After graduating, he moved to New York City to work in the contracts department of a major publisher’s children’s book division.

To keep his musical skills sharp, Matt plays trombone in the Brooklyn Conservatory Community Orchestra and looks for opportunities to make music whenever he can.

Carla Gallahan, Ph.D.
Professor of Music- General Music
Retired Associate Dean- CCFA
cgallahan@troy.edu
(334) 670-3502

Dr. Gallahan received the Bachelor of Music Education Degree, Master of Education in Music, and the Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education from Auburn University. Her teaching background includes eighteen years experience as a band director in Alabama public schools.

Dr. Gallahan is the Recording Secretary for the Alabama Music Educators Association and former chairman of District VI of the Alabama Bandmasters Association. She was selected to Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers and Outstanding Young Women of America, has been chosen as Auburn Junior High School Teacher of the Year, Auburn City Schools Secondary Teacher of the Year, and has served as a clinician and adjudicator throughout the Southeast.

Her professional affiliations include the National Association for Music Educators, Alabama Music Educators Association, Alabama Bandmasters Association, and Phi Beta Mu.

Robert Gibson, D.M.A.
Lecturer of Music- Guitar
115 Long Hall
rgibson82106@troy.edu
(334) 670-3501

Dr. Robert Gibson is Lecturer of Guitar and has been a faculty member of the John M. Long School of Music since 2008. In addition to teaching guitar, Dr. Gibson also teaches courses in music theory, string pedagogy, and conducts the guitar ensemble.

As a performer, Gibson has been a featured artist with several orchestras including the San Antonio Symphony, and toured as both a soloist and chamber musician around the United States, Mexico, Spain, and Italy. Robert has performed chamber concerts at major national/international music conferences, including the 2016 National Flute Association annual conference in San Diego, and the 2017 Percussive Arts Society International Conference (PASIC) in Indianapolis. As a promoter of new music, Gibson has collaborated with several composers on the creation of new works for the guitar and has performed world premieres of new works by composers Donald Grantham, James Norman, Traci Mendel and Sir Anthony Hopkins.

Robert is also well versed in other styles of music beyond the classical realm. He studied jazz guitar with Mitch Watkins and has performed extensively in multiple genres including, Jazz, Rock, Country, Contemporary Christian, Broadway, and Folk. Robert Gibson continues to perform regularly as a solo guitarist and with his colleague Rachel Nozny in a flute/guitar duo.

Gibson has won prizes in several competitions including the Appalachian Guitar Festival Competition, the U.T.S.A Concerto Competition, and the M.T.N.A. National Competition. Robert received the Alumni of the Year Award in 2014 from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Gibson began studying classical guitar in high school with Jennifer Whatley, continuing on to earn a Bachelor of Music in guitar performance under the direction of Dr. Matthew Dunne at the University of Texas at San Antonio, and both Master of Music and a Doctor of Musical Arts degrees at the University of Texas at Austin with Adam Holzman. During this time, Gibson also pursued composition and arranging, studying with notable composers such as Donald Grantham, David Heuser, and James Balentine. In the summer of 2006, Gibson completed his fourth year of studies with the legendary guitarist and teacher Oscar Ghiglia at the Accademia Musicale Chigiana in Siena, Italy.

Students of Dr. Gibson have also won numerous top prizes in significant competitions around the country. Before teaching full time at Troy University, Dr. Gibson was on faculty at Faulkner University and also taught award winning high school and middle school programs for a combined six years. Many of his students have been accepted and have received impressive scholarships to some of the most elite and competitive university music programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. While in graduate school, Robert held teaching assistantships in both music theory and guitar.

Robert currently lives with his wife and four young daughters in Montgomery, Alabama.

Kevin Gwinn, D.M.A.
Lecturer of Music- Voice
114 Long Hall
(334) 808-6358

“A true showman,” Dr. Kevin Gwinn, tenor, has performed across the globe as a mainstage artist and concert soloist for the past several years. Stage highlights include Nicely-Nicely in Loesser’s Guys and Dolls, Ferrando in Mozart’s Cosi fan tutte, Martin in Copland’s The Tender Land, Don Ottavio in Mozart’s Don Giovanni, Count Cavriaghi in the world premiere of Michael Dellaira’s The Leopard, Alfred in Strauss Jr.’s Die Fledermaus, King Xerxes in the world premiere of Oscar Sladek’s Far Beyond Rubies, Fenton in Nicolai’s Merry Wives of Windsor, Beppe in Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci, and Parpignol in Puccini’s La Boheme. A fierce promoter of new music, he appears on several premiere recordings, including Davila & De La Puente’s Manuel Versus the Statue of Liberty (Statue), Peters’ Companionship (Tom the Exterminator), and NAXOS’s recording of Dellaira’s The Leopard (Count Cavriaghi). A widely sought after soloist in both the US and Europe, his concert appearances include Orff's Carmina Burana, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Handel’s Messiah and Israel in Egypt, Mozart’s Requiem, Vesperae Solennes de Confessore, and Missa Brevis, Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle, Haydn’s Creation, Ramirez’s Misa Criolla, Forrest’s Requiem for the Living, and Dubois’ Seven Last Words of Christ. Dr. Gwinn has worked under the baton of such esteemed conductors as Gerard Schwarz, Laurent Pillot, Robert Spano, and Andrew Litton. Hailed as having a “strong tenor, potent in the top range” (South Florida Classical Review), he was a winner in the 2016 Young Voices of Mississippi competition as well as a three-time finalist in the Denver Lyric Opera Guild’s Competition for Young Singers. Dr. Gwinn’s research includes the art songs of Anglo-African late Romantic composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, and he released a collaborative album of the composer’s music in September 2022 titled You’ll Love Me Yet. He received a BM in Music Education (Dr. Brad Robinson) from the University of Mississippi, an MM (Ken Cox) and Performance Certificate (Matthew Plenk) from the University of Denver, and a DMA in Vocal Pedagogy and Performance (Dr. Frank Ragsdale) at the Frost School of Music, University of Miami. Dr. Gwinn is currently on the voice faculty at Troy University and previously held a position at Ball State University.

Michael Huff, D.M.A.
Professor of Music- Trumpet
109B Smith Hall
mhuff110591@troy.edu 
(334) 670-3323

Dr. Michael Huff serves as Professor of Music at Troy University where he teaches trumpet, brass methods and works with the band program.

Dr. Huff has earned degrees from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, the Eastman School of Music and the Catholic University of America. He has studied trumpet with Charles Daval, Langston Fitzgerald, Barbara Butler, Charles Geyer and Walter Chesnut.

Prior to his appointment at Troy University, he taught in a similar capacity at Mississippi State University.

Dr. Huff performs as second trumpet with the Mobile Symphony, fourth trumpet with the Pensacola Symphony and third trumpet with the Meridian Symphony. He is a former member of the United States Air Force Band in Washington, D.C. and has performed additionally with the Mississippi Symphony, the Starkville Symphony, the Annapolis Symphony, the Maryland Symphony, the Virginia Symphony and the Rochester Philharmonic.

As a soloist, he has performed with the Troy University Symphony Band, East Hall (Georgia) and Enterprise (Alabama) High School Bands, Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra (Jackson, Mississippi), the Starkville Symphony, the Mississippi State University Wind Ensemble, the Tidewater Winds (Norfolk, Virginia), the University of Northern Colorado Summer Wind Ensemble, the Bishop Ireton Wind Ensemble (Alexandria, Virginia) and the Franklin-Pierce Festival Orchestra.

Past performing projects have included collaborations with artists such as Olga Kern, Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, Allen Vizzutti, Chuck Mangione, the Eroica Trio, Wycliffe Gordon, Lari White, BeBe Winans, Michael McGuire and the New York Voices. Recording projects have included performances with various Air Force ensembles, the Golden Triangle Brass Quintet, the Massachusetts Wind Orchestra, the Tidewater Winds and the University of Massachusetts Wind Ensemble on Albany and Centaur labels.

Dr. Huff is an endorsing artist for Bach Trumpets and is a member of the International Trumpet Guild and the College Music Society.

Robet Lyda, Ph.D.
Adjunct Instructor- Music Education
rlyda@troy.edu 

Dr. Robert Lyda is sought-after for his expertise in general music education, creativity, and folk songs of the Southern United States as a clinician for professional development workshops, curriculum writer, educational consultant, and presenter at state, regional, and national conferences. Throughout his career as a music educator, he has taught a variety of instrumental, vocal, and general music courses for students in grades pre - K - graduate study. 

Robert received the B.M.E. from Troy University and the M.Ed. and Ph.D. in Music Education from Auburn University. In addition to his academic degrees, he has completed studies in World Music Drumming, TI:ME, Global Music Pedagogy, and is certified in both the Kodály concept (Levels I-III) and the Orff-Schulwerk approach (Levels I-III and Master Class). Rob has been published in Teaching Music, General Music Today, SBO+, and authored book chapters for two texts. 

Robert is the recipient of several awards including school and district Teacher of the Year, the Phi Kappa Phi Love of Learning Award, and he was named the 2019 Lacey Powell Outstanding Music Educator by the Alabama Music Educators Association.  He holds memberships in the Alabama Music Educators Association (AMEA), National Association for Music Education (NAfME), American Orff-Schulwerk Association, American Organization of Kodály Educators, Phi Kappa Phi, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and the National Band Association. Currently, he serves as the Chair of NAfME’s Council for General Music Education, President of AMEA, and as a member of the Alabama State Council on the Arts. 

Yuecheng Lu, D.M.A.
Lecturer of Music- Collaborative Piano
126 Long Hall
ylu225851@troy.edu 
(334) 808-6178

Dr. Yuecheng Lu has performed in China, France, and throughout the United States. She holds an extensive repertoire for both instrumental and vocal literature, including a focus primarily on Asian composers, including Yuko Uebayashi, Sang Jin Kim,  and Jin Ta. Yuecheng has worked with various guest artists such as Joe Alessi, Anton Nel, Michel Montagues and Yuko Uebayashi.  

A sought after guest artist and clinician, she has given performances and masterclasses in China, Germany, France, as well as across the continental United States. Her love for collaborative musical settings and advocate of new music has led her to serve as pianist with several active professional chamber music groups, including LuSidenstricker Duo, which she founded, The Rio Grande Valley Chamber Music Society, and serves as a pianist for the Texas State Solo-Ensemble Contest.  

She has presented on topics such as Performance Anxiety, Imposter Syndrome, Works during World War II, and Selected Works by Asian composers. Yuecheng has been invited to perform at various summer workshops and festivals in the United States as well as Europe, including Texas Flute Society, Atlanta Flute Club, La Melodieuse, All South Honor Band, South Flute Festival, Mid South Flute, and USM Trombone Day. Her upcoming events will include: CD release in Early 2024 that will be featuring works by Asian Composer, recitals in various location throughout China and the United States, feature as a guest artist in France and Germany, lecture/performance at various festivals in United States, and a new premiere written exclusively for LuSidenstricker Duo.  

In 2023, Yuecheng gave the US premiere of Yuko Uebayashi Deuxieme Sonate, Jin Ta The Girls from Alishan Mountains, and Blaz Pucihar Prima Sonata.  

Yuecheng Lu holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Collaborative piano from the University of Southern Mississippi, a Master of Music in Piano Performance from the University of South Florida, and a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Xi’an Conservatory of Music. 
 

Traci Mendel, D.M.
Lecturer of Music- Music Theory, Aural Skills and Composition
109G Smith Hall
tmendel@troy.edu
(334) 808-6402

Dr. Traci Mendel holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Theory and Composition from Centenary College of Louisiana, and a Master of Music degree in Music Composition, and Doctor of Music degree in Music degree in Music Composition from The Florida State University.

With twelve years of experience, Dr. Mendel has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in music composition, as well as undergraduate courses in music theory for majors and for non-majors, aural skills, applied composition and voice, orchestration, music appreciation, and directed a new music ensemble. She is the recipient of multiple teaching awards and grants, and has co-authored or edited one textbook and two workbooks. Dr. Mendel’s compositions have been heard in the U.S. and abroad in recitals, concerts, festivals, and at conferences, and she has been the recipient of multiple composition contest awards.

Brianna Nay, D.M.A.
Adjunct Instructor- Horn
bnay@troy.edu

Dr. Brianna Nay is a horn player and educator based in Tallahassee, Florida. She is the fourth horn of the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra and has performed with Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, the Mobile Symphony Orchestra, and various chamber groups including Big Bend Brass Quintet and Fountain Five Woodwind Quintet. Brianna has presented and performed at regional horn conferences and International Horn Society Symposia. She premiered Michelle Stebleton's new piece for solo horn, ...of Hildegard, at the 2023 International Horn Society Symposium in Montreal, Quebec. Recently, Brianna has been invited to perform Robert Schumann's Konzertstuck for Four Horns and Orchestra with the Orquesta Sinfónica de la Ciudad de Asunción in Asunción, Paraguay in July 2024. Her primary teachers include Michelle Stebleton, Laurence Lowe, Victor Valenzuela, and Mary Knepper.

Christina Nelson, D.M.A.
Adjunct Instructor- Bassoon
knelson225752@troy.edu 

Dr. Kristina Nelson is a bassoonist and educator based in Pensacola, Florida, on faculty at the University of West Florida, University of South Alabama, and Troy University. Kristina is a member of the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra and Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra and performs regularly with other orchestras along the Gulf Coast. She completed her DMA with Dr. Yoshi Ishikawa at the University of Colorado-Boulder, working with composer Bill Douglas on a dissertation about his solo and chamber works for bassoon. Kristina presented her research and premiered Douglas’s Partita #3 for Bassoon and Piano at the 2022 IDRS conference. She also studied with Nancy Goeres at Carnegie Mellon University (AMS certificate), Gabriel Beavers at the University of Miami (MM), and Dr. Jenny Mann at the University of Alabama (BM). Her summer study included Brevard Music Center, Chautauqua Institute, Sewanee Summer Music Festival, Eastern Music Festival, Hot Springs Music Festival, and Marrowstone Music Festival. Students in her private studio - “The Bassoon Platoon” - plan to take over the world, one scale at a time. 

Diane D. Orlofsky, Ph.D.
Professor Emerita- Music and Music Education
Graduate Music Education Coordinator/Advisor
106 Smith Hall
dorlof@troy.edu 
(334) 670-3381

Dr. Diane Orlofsky, Professor Emerita, began teaching music and music education classes (both undergraduate and graduate) at TROY in 1986. She served as the Director of Choirs from 2007-2022 and was the Conductor of the Concert Chorale and Artistic Director for the vocal jazz ensemble, frequency. Orlofsky earned degrees from Florida State University (PhD, Music Education), Wright State University (MM, Music Education) and Cedarville University (BME). Orlofsky is the Graduate Music Education Program Coordinator /Advisor and teaches undergraduate and graduate music education classes.

Dr. Orlofsky is an active clinician, conductor, adjudicator, and researcher. She was inducted into the 2024 Alabama Music Education Association (AMEA) Hall of Fame and received the Lacey Powell Outstanding Music Educator award from AMEA in 2016. She was the 2014 recipient of the Wallace D. Malone Distinguished Faculty award which recognizes outstanding scholarship, teaching, leadership, and service, as well as the Ingalls Award for Excellence in Classroom Teaching, the Phi Kappa Phi Distinguished Scholar award, the AATE Outstanding Teacher Educator Award, and the Wright State University Music Alumni of the Year award, among others. Orlofsky also received an American Fellow award from the American Association of University Women.

Orlofsky is best known for her research on learning theorist Jerome S. Bruner (Redefining Teacher Education: The Theories of Jerome Bruner and the Practice of Training Teachers, Peter Lang, 2002) and for her scholarship in music teacher education, music education methods, learning theory, piano pedagogy, choral leadership, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Orlofsky is a producer and co-host of the Troy Public Radio podcast InChoir: Conversations about Choral Music, the Arts and Life and was a co-creator of A Joyous Exchange: The Art of Collaboration (2018, supported by the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts). She is currently writing a second book about Bruner which focuses on his archival collection at Harvard University and she serves as Co-Chair for the Beginning and Mid-Career Teacher Development Taskforce for AMEA.

Robert Pendergast, D.M.
Adjunct Instructor- Euphonium
228 Smith Hall
rpendergast@troy.edu

Dr. Robert Pendergast is an adjunct instructor at the John M. Long School of Music at Troy University in Troy, Alabama. He teaches applied lessons and studio classes for euphonium as well as an online course, Listening To Jazz. Dr. Pendergast received music performance degrees in euphonium from the University of North Texas and Florida State University and a Post-Graduate Diploma from the Royal Northern College of Music. 

Prior to his work at Troy University, Dr. Pendergast taught low brass at the Bethune-Cookman College Department of Music from 2004 to 2006. From 2009 to 2015, he was an adjunct instructor of low brass at Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, Tennessee. Dr. Pendergast co-authored A Practical Guide to Wind Band Excerpts for the Euphonium with Ryan McGeorge, published by Potenza Music.

Timothy Phillips, D.M.A.
Professor of Music- Clarinet
212 Smith Hall
tphillips16791@troy.edu
(334) 670-3190

Timothy Phillips is Professor of Clarinet at the John M. Long School of Music at Troy University in Troy, Alabama. Since joining the Troy University faculty in 2006, he founded Troy University Clarinet Day, which brings high school, college, and professional clarinetists together each spring at the John M. Long School of Music for performances and master classes. Timothy is also creator and host of a weekly program on Troy Public Radio WTSU called “Clarinet Corner,” and a Buffet Crampon, BG, and Vandoren Performing Artist. His teaching is featured on the PlayWind “app” developed by Buffet Crampon.

Timothy has served as President of the Higher Education Division of the Alabama Music Educators Association and he has performed at previous AMEA Conferences. He has served as Social Media Editor of the International Clarinet Association and has performed at numerous ICA ClarinetFest® conferences including those in: Lawrence, KS (2016), Baton Rouge, LA (2014), Assisi, Italy (2013), Los Angeles, CA (2011), Austin, TX, (2010), and Kansas City, MO (2008). He presented clarinet pedagogy sessions at ClarinetFest® 2021 (Virtual) and presented his paper, “The Longing Voice: Schubert’s Der Hirt auf dem Felsen” at ClarinetFest® 2004 in College Park, Maryland. He also performed at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana in 2017, the National Association of College Wind and Percussion Instructors National Conference in Gainesville, Florida in 2011 and the College Music Society National Conference in Atlanta, Georgia in 2008.

As soloist, he has performed with Concerto Avenna in Warsaw, Poland, University of Illinois Symphonic Band, University of Illinois Summer Band, and with the Troy University Symphony Band, Troy University Concert Chorale, Troy University Percussion Ensemble, and various high school bands in the Southeastern United States. In 2011, he premiered works as soloist with the International Clarinet Choir, organized by the Träumerei Clarinet Ensemble in New York City and with the Troy University Symphony Band in Vancouver and Whistler, Canada on their first-ever international tour. Timothy has performed as principal clarinetist of the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra and he has performed with Sinfonia da Camera in Illinois.

An active proponent of music by living composers, he has commissioned works from Lane Harder, Noah D. Taylor, David Maslanka, Jeff Brooks, Gary Schocker, Jorge Montilla, James M. Stephenson, James David, Scott McAllister, and Bill Douglas, and he has premiered works by Alain Mayrand, Jorge Montilla, Traci Mendel, Don Bowyer, and Carl Vollrath.

In 2013, 2011, and 2009, Timothy performed and taught at Clarimania, a bi-annual event held at the Karol Lipinski Academy of Music in Wrocław, Poland. In 2013, he taught master classes at the Prague Conservatory of Music, the Prague Academy of Music, and the Royal Northern College of Music. He also performed recitals of “American Music for Clarinet and Marimba” with his colleague T. Adam Blackstock on this tour. In 2010, Timothy served on the jury for the International Woodwind Instruments Clarinet Competition in Warsaw, Poland with clarinetists Florent Héau, Ludmila Peterkova, and Nicolas Fargeix. Timothy has also served as a judge for the International Clarinet Association High School Competitions in 2017, 2016, and 2015, the Young Artists Woodwind Competition for the Mississippi chapter of the Music Teachers National Association in 2015, the University of Oklahoma Clarinet Symposium Young Artists Competition in 2010, and the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra Guild Concerto Competition in 2008 and 2006.

Timothy completed the Doctor of Musical Arts and Master of Music degrees in clarinet performance at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He holds the Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder. His principal teachers included: J. David Harris, Daniel Silver, Bil Jackson, and Philip Aaholm. Timothy received the Phi Kappa Phi Artist Award from the Troy University chapter of Phi Kappa Phi and the Albert Austin Harding Award from the University of Illinois Bands.

Timothy lives in Montgomery, Alabama with his wife Katrina, daughter Violet, son Evan, and two giant dogs.

Joseph Romo
Adjunct Instructor- Music Industry
jromo@toy.edu

Joe Romo is an Adjunct Faculty member at Troy University, where he teaches music industry courses in the John M. Long School of Music. He holds a Master of Business Administration in Music Industry and a Bachelor of Science in Music Industry, both from Troy University.

Before joining the faculty, Mr. Romo served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant for the Troy University Music Industry Programs. In this role, he provided logistical and administrative support for both students and faculty, handled digital and print media production, and arranged music for Troy University's American Popular Music Ensemble, POPulus. Additionally, he assisted in producing a major university event in Nashville, Tennessee, where the Music Industry Programs unveiled their new Master of Business Administration degree with a focus in Music Industry.

Prior to serving as a GTA, Mr. Romo completed an arts management internship with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra in Columbus, GA, where he worked in various areas of orchestra administration and produced their podcast “Know the Score with George del Gobo.” He also worked as a proofreader and administrative assistant for RWS Music Co., where he reviewed pieces by RWS composers and handled royalty statements and composer agreements.

As a musician and educator, Mr. Romo has been a freelance trombone player and low brass instructor for the past 10 years. He has performed with various live groups spanning multiple genres across the Southeastern United States. In 2018, he was included in the “Artist Class” of the Southeastern Trombone Symposium hosted by Columbus State University in Columbus, GA. That same year, he recorded multiple solos for Excelcia Music Publishing’s “Accessible Solo Repertoire for Trombone” series. Mr. Romo has also been a low brass instructor for over 20 secondary schools in Georgia, Alabama, and Florida. Most recently, he has been a weekly low brass instructor for Alton C. Crews Middle School in Lawrenceville, GA, where he teaches over 100 beginning band students.

Scott Sexton, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Music Education
113 Long Hall
rsexton@troy.edu 
(334) 670-5865

Scott Sexton is Assistant Professor of Music Education at Troy University, where he teaches courses in Music Education, conducts the Concert Chorale, and coordinates the student teaching internships. Prior to his appointment at Troy, he taught at Huntingdon College, St. Andrew’s Episcopal School (MS), and Jackson Public Schools (MS). He earned degrees in Music Education from Troy University (BME), University of Mississippi (MM), and Auburn University (PhD). Additionally, he has completed all levels of certification in the Kodály Method and the Orff-Schulwerk approach. As a recipient of the Denise Bacon memorial scholarship through the Organization of American Kodály Educators, he was able to complete summer study at the International Kodály Institute in Kecskemét, Hungary.
 
Sexton’s PreK-12 teaching experience includes elementary music and middle/high school choir. He has led a variety of youth ensembles, including an elementary school steel drum ensemble, an Orff ensemble, a middle school Balkan music and dance troupe, and multiple secondary choral ensembles. He was also active in community music, previously serving as Artistic Director of The Mississippi Girlchoir and founder/director of Mississippi Harmony, a multi-generational community choir. Sexton prepared the children’s chorus for Mississippi Opera on two occasions.
 
An avid traveler, Sexton is best known for his work in bringing global music to the music classroom. His most notable international immersive music experiences have included multiple trips to Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, and Ghana. His research interests include Music Education and Peacebuilding, Global Music Education, and Historical Music Education. He has presented research and led workshops at local, regional, national, and international conferences across the United States, Europe, and Africa. He holds professional memberships in the National Association for Music Education, the American Orff-Schulwerk Association, and the Organization of American Kodály Educators, where he serves on the National Choir Committee.

Heather Small, D.M.
Associate Professor of Music- Flute
109F Smith Hall
hsmall@troy.edu
(334) 670-3284

Dr. Heather Small is Associate Professor of Flute at Troy University’s John M. Long School of Music. She teaches music theory courses, class woodwinds, applied flute, and directs the flute ensemble. Dr. Small received a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Oberlin Conservatory, a Master’s Degree in Flute Performance from the University of North Texas and a Doctorate of Music Performance from Florida State University, where she won the University Doctoral Concerto Competition. Her principal teachers are Michel Debost, Mary Karen Clardy and Eva Amsler.

Dr. Small frequently performs as a soloist and in chamber ensembles at venues throughout the United States. She performed at National Flute Association Conferences in Las Vegas, Charlotte, and Orlando. Dr. Small has also performed with the Midland-Odessa, Tallahassee, Chattanooga, and Cave Run Symphonies and was a finalist in the Myrna Brown Young Artist Competition and the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition. She has premiered music by American composers: Paul Osterfield, Jonathan McNair, Carl Vollrath, and Traci Mendel.

Dr. Small is active as a clinician and adjudicator. As a member of the National Flute Association, she has served on the Pedagogy Committee and is currently fulfilling a 4-year term as chair of the Newly Published Music Competition. Dr. Small is a Board Member for the Southeastern United States Honor Band Clinic and an adjudicator for the Florida Bandmasters Association.

Raymond H Smith
Professor Emeritus- General Music
102 Smith Hall
rsmith@troy.edu

Raymond Smith joined the Troy University faculty in 1990 and retired from full time teaching if 2017.  During his tenure, he served as Professor of Saxophone and Clarinet, Assistant Band Director, Director of Jazz Studies, Conductor of the University Concert Band, Conductor of the Music Theater Orchestra, and a member of the Graduate Teaching Faculty. Raymond Smith is a graduate of Troy University and the University of South Florida with degrees in Music Education and Performance.

Mr. Smith began his professional performance career at the age of 15.  His professional credits include appearances with universities, schools, civic, and professional groups across the South. Professor Smith has recorded, performed ­­with, and accompanied many of the legends of jazz and commercial music including: the Florida Orchestra, Tampa Bay Symphony, Gulf Coast Symphony, Sarasota Opera, Tampa Ballet, Moscow Ballet, Geoffrey Ballet, Barnum and Bailey Circus, and numerous Broadway musicals.  Mr. Smith has appeared with Sammy Davis, Jr., Al Hirt, Lionel Hampton, Burt Bacharach, Julie Andrews, Ella Fitzgerald, Eddie Arnold, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Gladys Knight, The Four Tops, The Temptations, The Platters, Bob Hope, Red Skelton, Steve Allen, Shirley Jones and many, many others.

Raymond Smith continues to serve Troy University as Professor Emeritus.  Professor Smith teaches general studies music, directs the Southeast Alabama Community Band, and is an active clinician, adjudicator, recitalist, conductor, and educator.

Jason Sulliman, D.M.
Associate Professor of Music- Trombone
115 Long Hall
sulliman@troy.edu
(334) 670-3283

Dr. Jason Sulliman is an innovative brass teacher who combines principles from kinesiology and cognitive science to rethink pedagogy in the 21st-century. He is one of the world’s leading experts on facial stability and embouchure rehabilitation and is in constant demand as a clinician and consultant with professional woodwind and brass musicians all over the world. Recent presentations and guest appearances include the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, The Juilliard School, the Eastman School of Music, TMEA, The International Trumpet Guild, and the International Trombone Festival. Currently, Jason is Assistant Professor of Trombone at Troy University, Trombone Tutor for the North American Brass Band Summer School in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Brass Pedagogy Specialist for the Alpha Institute in Kingston, Jamaica. Previous teaching positions include the University of North Alabama and Vincennes University.

Jason earned his DM in Brass Pedagogy from Indiana University where he also studied kinesiology and cognitive science. Dr. Sulliman also holds master’s degrees in conducting and performance from the University of New Mexico and a Bachelor’s degree in performance from the University of Massachusetts.

​​As a performer, Jason is the current bass trombonist for the Meridian Symphony and is an active freelancer with several orchestras throughout the Southern region of the United States including the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, The Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, and the Shoals Symphony Orchestra. His performance experience includes ensembles such as the Indianapolis Symphony, the New Mexico Symphony, the Alabama Symphony, and the Dallas Brass Quintet. Jason was a soloist, conductor, and music manager with the Tony and Emmy Award-winning Broadway show, “Blast!” and over a 15-year period performed or conducted over two thousand shows with the company.

​​Jason is one of the founders and organizers of the International Trombone Hang, which is an online collaborative offering of clinics and master classes from the world’s leading teachers and performers of trombone. He is passionate about providing resources to developing players of all ages and maintains Youtube and Instagram channels with hundreds of videos, thousands of subscribers, and over one million views.

​​Jason is proud to be an M & W Custom Trombone artist and performs on a custom AR resonance mouthpiece.

Mark. J Walker, Ed.D
Professor of Music
Director of Bands
102 Long Hall
mjwalker@troy.edu
334-670-3281

Dr. Mark J. Walker serves as Director of Bands and Professor of Music at Troy University where he conducts the Troy University Symphony Band, the nationally renowned “Sound of the South” Marching Band, teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in conducting, marching band techniques, measurement and evaluation, and wind literature

In addition to his teaching duties, Dr. Walker serves as Chairman of the Southeastern United States Clinic and Honor Bands, Executive Director of the Middle School Southeastern United States Band Clinic and Honor Bands, and is the Director of the “Sound of the South” Summer Music Camp and Director’s Clinic. He also serves as Co-Chair of the National Band Association’s Hall of Fame of Distinguished Band Directors. Dr. Walker is a published author, whose articles appears various music education publications and is the editor of the book The Art of Interpretation of Band Music published by GIA. He is a contributor to The Euphonium Source Book, published by Indiana University Press. Additionally, Dr. Walker is the Associate Editor of the Journal of Band Research.

Bands and students under Dr. Walker’s direction have received many honors at the regional and state level in Texas, where he taught middle school and high school band. In addition, Dr. Walker keeps an active guest conducting and clinic schedule, and has appeared as conductor, clinician, and adjudicator in Canada and throughout the United States. Recently, Dr. Walker was a guest conductor with the United States Air Force Band and the United States Navy Band. He conducted the Troy University Symphony Band in the opening concert of the 80th Annual Convention of the American Bandmasters Association. Dr. Walker received the honor of conducting both the Royal Hawaiian Band and the Marine Forces Pacific Band, located in Honolulu, Hawaii. Dr. Walker conducted the Desert Winds at the 2016 Midwest International Band and Orchestra Conference. In addition to these guest appearances, Dr. Walker has conducted the Troy University Symphony at the 2011 and 2020 AMEA Conference, the 2017 Alabama Bandmasters Association Conference, and the 2018 CBDNA Southern Division Conference in Tampa, Florida.

Dr. Walker is an elected member of the prestigious American Bandmasters Association. His past and present professional affiliations include Phi Beta Mu, CBDNA, National Band Association, NAfME, Alabama Music Education Association, Alabama Bandmasters Association, Kappa Kappa Psi, Phi Mu Alpha, Kappa Delta Pi, Phi Delta Kappa, Tau Beta Sigma, Sigma Alpha Iota, Texas Bandmasters Association, and World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles.

Dr. Walker is married to Jessica Walker, who teaches sixth grade at Goshen Elementary, and resides in Troy with their daughter, Emily.

Eric Ward
Associate Professor of Music- Music Industry
Interim Coordinator of Music Industry Program
125 Smith Hall
elward@troy.edu
(334) 670-6312

Mr. Ward is currently serving as Assistant Professor of Music/Audio Engineer at Troy University in Troy, Alabama. His duties include: teaching Advanced Music Technology, Audio Principles and Technique I and II, Studio Production Techniques, Live Sound Reinforcement, the Jazz II Ensemble, and Private Percussion. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Mr. Ward also manages the audio production facilities, the J.M. Long School of Music concert/recital archives and is the coordinator of the Studio Rhythm Section.

Mr. Ward has been a working musician for well over fifteen years. He earned his B.U.S. from Morehead State University and his M.S. in Education from Troy University. His work as a percussionist, arranger, consultant, clinician, guest artist, adjudicator and teacher have allowed him to work with numerous groups, artists, and schools around the world including: Glen Velez, Unio Musical de Lliria, Shelia Jackson, Jim Bell, Raymond Smith, The Living Jazz Duo, The Christopher Hodges Band, True Jazz, The EA Quintet, Gifford Howarth, The Morehead Guild Theater, The Central Ohio Brass Band, The Brass Band of Columbus, Morehead State University, Ohio University, Miami University, The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps, Trinity Indoor Percussion Ensemble, Rhythm X Indoor Percussion Ensemble, The Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps, and The Glassmen Drum and Bugle Corps.

Mr. Ward recently served as the percussion arranger for the 2009 Outback Bowl and is currently a writer for Bands In Motion.

Sara Wee, D.M.A.
Assistant Professor of Music- Voice
202 Smith Hall
swee@troy.edu
(334) 670-3503

Soprano Sarah Wee is an Assistant Professor of Voice at Troy University where she teaches private lessons, vocal pedagogy, diction, and directs the Opera Workshop. Dr. Wee also enjoys a career singing recital, concert, and operatic literature. Known for her performance of sacred works, she has performed with orchestras and choirs ranging from the Sheldon Chorale to the Miami Collegium Musicum. Dr. Wee has performed the Poulenc Gloria , Handel’s Messiah, John Rutter’s Mass of the Children and many other masses and requiems. Sarah Wee has performed operatic roles with Union Avenue Opera, Frost Opera Theatre, Miami Music Festival, and St. Louis City Opera. With St. Louis City Opera, she debuted a role in the world premiere of “Family Dynamics: the Funeral.”

​​​​​​​Dr. Wee received her Doctorate of Musical Arts in Vocal Performance and Vocal Pedagogy at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, where she later served as a lecturer in the voice department. She graduated from Webster University with a Bachelor’s Degree in classical voice performance and earned a Master’s Degree in vocal performance from Washington University in St. Louis. Dr. Wee is also an active lecture recitalist. She regularly presents lecture recitals at music conferences and is the co-founder of a lecture recital series based on the Music of the Liturgy. Her professional affiliations include the National Association for Music Educators, College Music Society, Alabama Music Educators Association, and the National Association of Teaching of Singing. Sarah Wee currently resides in Montgomery, AL, where she lives with her husband and two children.

Phil R. Wilson, Ph.D.
Adjunct Instructor- Music Education
pwilson223487@troy.edu

Phil R. Wilson is the music teacher at Ogletree Elementary School in Auburn, Alabama, where he has taught for the past 21 years. Prior to teaching in Auburn, Phil taught at Thomasville High School in Thomasville, Georgia, where his duties included directing the chorus, assisting the band director at the middle and high school levels, and directing literary activities.

Phil graduated from Troy (State) University in 2001 with a Bachelor of Music Education and went on to pursue his Master of Music Education from Auburn University in 2007. In 2010, Phil became a National Board Certified Teacher in the area of Early and Middle Childhood Music and renewed his certification in 2019. Phil earned a Ph.D. in Music Education from Auburn University in 2020. Phil is the 2023 Auburn University College of Education Outstanding Alumni Award winner, the 2020 MAX Federal Credit Union Life Changer Award recipient, and the 2010-2011 Alabama State Teacher of the Year. In 2017 at the Alabama Music Educators Association’s Professional Development Conference, the Ogletree Singers, directed by Phil, was honored to receive an invitation to perform.

Phil is a member of NAfME; The National Association for Music Education, the Alabama Music Education Association where he currently serves as President-elect and has previously served as President of the elementary division. He is also a member of the Alabama Education Association, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Professional Music Fraternity of America, Iota Nu Chapter. For five years, Phil served on the board of the Alabama Network of National Board Certified Teachers as the director of outreach.

Tom Yan
Adjunct Instructor- Tuba
yanx@troy.edu 

Tom Yan is an Instructor of Tuba for John M. Long School of Music at Troy University in Troy, Alabama. He is also the Adjunct Instructor of Tuba and Euphonium at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Alabama State University. Furthermore, Tom plays with the UAB Faculty Brass Quintet and teaches Music Theory and Music Appreciation courses at ASU. 

Tom is ABD in his DMA studies in Tuba Performance degree at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. He was a Graduate Assistant for the Tuba/Euph studio and was mentored under Dr. Ken Ozzello for secondary concentration in Wind Conducting. His assistantship responsibilities at UA include helping in private studio lessons and coordinating tuba and euphonium ensemble rehearsals. Additionally, Tom has served on the staff of UA's Million Dollar Marching Band and has conducted the UA Symphonic Band under the leadership of Mr. Justin White. Along with his studies at UA, Tom also teaches a Music Appreciation course titled “Intro to Listening”. 

Tom has won the South Central Tuba and Euphonium Young Artist solo competition and as well as the Concerto Aria Competition while studying at Samford University. He was selected as a fellow for the Global Leaders Program's “El Sistema” Bootcamp in 2018, an educational seminar for Teaching Artists led by Eric Booth and Daniel Trahey, where he served as a low brass instructor for the National Youth Orchestra of Honduras. In 2023, Tom was granted a tuba fellowship with OAcademy Music Conservatory's Orchestra Institute. 

His teachers include Dr. Demondrae Thurman, Daniel Perantoni, Sergio Carolino, Dr. Jeremy Crawford, Scott Robertson, Andrew Miller and Dr. Brandon Slocomb. Tom has a Bachelor of Music degree in Education from Samford University and a Master of Music degree in Tuba Performance from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. 

Hui-Ting Yang, D.M.
Director of the School of Music
Professor of Music- Piano
112 Long Hall
hyang42134@troy.edu
334-808-6644

Dr. Hui-Ting Yang is Professor of Piano at Troy University John M. Long School of Music, where she serves as the Director and the Coordinator of Applied Studies. 

As an active performer and educator, she has performed, lectured, and conducted master classes throughout the Czech Republic, Korea, China, Taiwan and the United States. In summers 2015, 2016, and 2018 she was invited to give recitals, lectures, master classes, and to teach applied piano in several schools in China, including at the Sichuan Normal University, Sichuan University of Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Arts, Nanjing Normal University, Southwest University, Chongqing Normal University, Guangzhou Normal University, and Shandong University at Weihai. She also performed Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with the Symphony Band as the first concert of the Steinway Artist Concert Series at Troy University in April 2015. In 2018 she collaborated with the Symphony Band again performing the Shostakovich Piano Concerto No. 2 and Bernstein’s Prelude, Fugue, and Riffs. In September 2012 she recorded three chamber works by Ladislav Kubík with mezzo-soprano Phyllis Pancella and violinist Karen Bentley Pollick. In November 2016 Dr. Yang and Ms. Panclla performed a recital in celebration of Kubik’s seventieth birthday in Prague and recorded several his works, including 24 HAIKU for mezzo-soprano and piano, and Gong for mezzo-soprano, alto flute, piano, and electronics. In June 2010 she performed seven solo recitals throughout the Czech Republic, including performances at the highly acclaimed Cesky Krumlov International Music Festival and the Artist Concert Series in Děčín. 

She has also performed at numerous conferences and festivals including “The Days of Contemporary Music” festival in Prague, Parma New Music Festival, the Festival of New Music at the Florida State University, the Society of Composers Inc. National Conference, International and National Conferences of the College of Music Society, and the Florida State Music Teacher’s Association Annual Conference. Her recordings are available through Kum Seoung Records, Parma, Arco Diva, and Neos.

In Spring 2022, Dr. Yang was selected as a Troy University Chancellor’s Fellow and has been an advocate of the faculty/staff training and readiness in student mental health crisis since then. She is the recipient of the 2016 Steinway & Sons Top Teacher Award and the recipient of the Orpheus Award from the Iota Nu Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity at Troy University in 2018. She also received the Troy University 2009 Faculty Senate Excellence Award. 

Hui-Ting Yang is a Steinway Artist and an inductee of the Steinway and Sons Teacher Hall of Fame 2023. To visit the Steinway & Sons Artist roster go to: http://www.steinway.com/artists/hui-ting-yang

Jennifer McLeod
Administrative Assistant, School of Music
334-670-3322
music@troy.edu
jmcloud@troy.edu 

Emily Cook
Administrative Assistant, University Bands
334-670-3281
troyband@troy.edu
ecook223455@troy.edu 

Band
(334) 670-3242
troyband@troy.edu

JaCorey Benjamin
Wesley Thornton

Music Industry
(334) 808-6281
musicindustry@troy.edu

Ava Symone Barrett
Madison Smith

Vocal / Choral
(334) 670-6298
troychoral@troy.edu 

Kensley Fuller