BMMB History

The Fort Valley State College Band was organized in 1946 by Mr. George Dewey Adams. A veteran of the United States Navy Band, a graduate of Morris Brown College and Vandercook College of Music, Professor Adams served as band director at Fort Valley State College and Hunt High School in the Peach County Public School System.  The college band was comprised of students from both the high school and college. Mr. Adams served as Director of Bands until 1966.

Dr. Ulysses Sampson served as Director of Bands from 1966 until 1973.  Dr. Sampson received a Bachelor's degree from Alabama State University, a Master’s degree from the University of Michigan, and a Ph.D. degree from Indiana University. During his tenure, the band began to use only college students and grew to 96 musicians. 

Dr. Sampson was assisted by Mr. George Holland who was a graduate of Fort Valley State College and Vandercook College of Music. The band made its first national television appearance under the leadership of Dr. Sampson and Professor Holland.

Mr. Robert Williams served as director of bands at Fort Valley State College from 1978 until 1983 . Professor Williams was a graduate of Alabama State University and the University of Michigan. Under Mr. William’s direction, the Flag Corp and Dancing Dolls auxiliaries were added to the FVSC Marching Band. The band performed at several NCAA playoff games while under Professor Williams guidance. Professor Williams also coined the name of the marching band program "The Million Dollar Band", and the pep band "Earth, Wind & Valley". Professor Holland organized and directed the FVSC Jazz Ensembles during these years.

From 1983 until 1991 the Fort Valley State College band was led by Mr. Leonard Giles, a graduate of Shaw University and Tennessee State University. During this time, the FVSC Marching Band appeared before 4 national television audiences. Professor Giles directed the FVSC Concert Bands and organized the FVSC Basketball Pep Bands. Professor Holland continued to direct the FVSC Jazz Ensembles. Under Giles’ leadership, the band performed at several nationally televised football games and NCAA playoff games.

From 1991 until 1995, the FVSC Bands were led by Mr. Eric Baskin, a graduate of Southern University. A renowned jazz trumpeter and pianist, Mr. Baskin initiated a television show on the university television station called “The Jazz Man” that featured him along with several of his students. Under his leadership, the marching band made two national television appearances. Professor Baskin brought the famous "WILD-CATS!" introductory callout, and the "AND DOWN!" outro callout to FVSC.

In 1996, Mr. Giles returned to direct the band as the institution was elevated to a university and became Fort Valley State University. Since 1997, he was assisted by Dr. Paxton Girtmon, Ms. Nkeita Carner, and Dr. Glenn Garrido.  Dr. Girtmon was a graduate of Southeast Louisiana State University and Southern Mississippi State University and served from 1997 until 1998. Ms. Carner held degrees from Albany State University and Florida State University and served from 1998 until 2000. Dr. Garrido served from 2000 to 2007 and  holds degrees from the University of New Hampshire and the University of Florida. Dr. Garrido also served as conductor of the University Concert Band. Since 1998, Professor Giles has directed the Jazz Ensemble and the FVSU Marching Bands. In 2001 and 2002 The FVSU Concert and Jazz Bands performed in New York City and Nassau, Bahamas under the leadership of Dr. Garrido and Prof. Giles. In 2005, The FVSU Blue Machine Marching Band was awarded  $10,000 and did a national commercial for Church’s Chicken.

Dr. Paxton Girtmon

Mrs. Nekita Carner

Dr. Glenn Garrido

Beginning in the Fall 2007 thru 2010, the FVSU “Blue Machine Marching Band” was under the direction of Professor Kevin Jones. Mr. Jones received his B.S. in Music Degree from Morris Brown College in Atlanta, GA and the Master of Arts in Music Degree from Florida State University. Mr. Jones coordinated the drills, music and all performance aspects of the FVSU Marching Band,  as well as conducted the Concert Band in the Spring Semester. Under his leadership, the band has performed at several “Battle of the Bands” exhibitions throughout Georgia, as well as a national television performance during the FVSU-ASU Fountain City Classic football game.

Mr. Giles returned as Director of The FVSU Band Program from 2011 thru 2014. He was assisted by Mr. Darnell Springer (BA in Music - FVSU) and Mr. Emmanuel Roundtree (FAMU).

Mr. Darnell Springer

Mr. Emmanuel Roundtree

Beginning his tenure in 2015, Dr. Jonathan Thompson presently serves as Director of Bands at Fort Valley State University. Dr. Thompson holds the B.S. of Music Degree from Tennessee State University, the Master's of Music Degree from Vandercook College of Music, and the Doctorate Degree from the University of Georgia. He has taught at various high schools in Georgia and is active in recruiting and as an adjudicator.