The following historical account of the Albany State University Band was drawn from a taped interview with William H. Hamlin, former director of bands at Albany State University, Albany, Georgia, on November 25, 1975. Hamlin revealed that a band existed at Albany State University during the years in which Dr. Joseph W. Holley served as president of the university-Albany State College-(1903-1943). The exact dates and the director could not be determined; however, Hamlin recalled that the earliest band existed around 1944. Its director was William Valentine, who served under President Aaron Brown. Valentine’s service lasted until 1952, at which time Leon Johnson became band director for one year (1952-1953).
Hamlin came to (at the time) Albany State College the summer of 1953 and set up the department of music, offering a major in music at Albany State. He also acted as the administrator for the department of music, band director, choir conductor, music theory instructor, and wind and percussion instruments teacher. The band under Hamlin was limited to forty members because of the number of band uniforms available. Albany State College had the only band in southwest Georgia during the 1940s and the 1950s. This band was quite frequently called upon to perform for a variety of functions held in the area which included concerts, parades, municipal activities, and halftime performances for local high school football games. William Hamlin’s last year at Albany State College was in 1957. Hamlin returned to Albany State College in 1969 and remained for one year.
The following is a list of men who served as director of bands at Albany State University in its history as provided by T. Marshall Jones, former director of bands and Department of Fine Arts Chairman of Albany State University:
1944 – 1952: William Valentine
1952 – 1953: Leon Johnson
1953 – 1957: William FT Hamlin
1957 – 1962: John Lawhorn
1962 – 1963: Ulysses Sampson
1963 – 1969: T. Marshall Jones
1969 – 1970: William H. Hamlin
1970 – 1971; Warren Bryant
1971 – 1974: Lamar Smith
1974 – 1975: John Newsome
1975 – 1976: T. Marshall Jones
1976 – 2003: Lamar Smith
2003 – 2018: Michael Decuir
2018 – 2023: Kenneth Trimmins
2023 – Present: William Brooks
Currently the music program at Albany State University offers Bachelor’s degrees in B.A. of Arts in Visual and Performing Arts, B.A . of Art in Music Education, Art- B.A Program of Study, Music, Bachelor of Arts Degree, Music- B.A Program of Study, Music Education Concentration, Bachelor of Arts, Music Education Concentration B.A Program of Study. The Department of Music has the following ensembles for student musicians:
The MRSB’s first performance at the Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase was in 2007. Our program also participated in “the Honda” in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013. Most recently, we were nominated for participation in the 2019 showcase.
One of the Marching Rams Show Band’s most recent and notable accomplishments was receiving an invitation to participate in the 2016 Rose Bowl Parade. Albany State University launched the “Rams in the Roses” campaign in 2015 to support the band’s attendance and participation in the Rose Bowl Parade in 2016.
William Brooks is a native of Detroit, Michigan. He earned his bachelor’s degree in music education from Middle Tennessee State University’s McLean School of Music where he was a conducting student of Mr. Craig Cornish and Dr. Reed Thomas. He completed his master’s degree in music education at the University of Memphis Scheidt School of Music and completed all course work to earn a Doctor of Music Education at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.
He is a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated, serving as the Talent Hunt Committee Chair. He is also a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Music Fraternity and Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity. He has held memberships in the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and the Tennessee Music Education Association (TMEA).
Albany State University President, Marion Ross Fedrick said, “Brooks exhibits extensive knowledge, vision, and passion for the success of our music program and students which makes him the best fit for ASU. I look forward to his innovative strategies to improve and connect our campus with local and global musical talents.”
Prior to his appointment at ASU, he served as the Assistant Director of Bands and Assistant Professor of Music (High Brass) at Kentucky State University. His responsibilities in the Department of Music included teaching Music Theory, Music History, Elementary Music Methods, Brass Techniques, Arranging and Applied Music Lessons. Additionally, he played a role in conducting the Marching & Pep Bands, Symphonic Band, Brass Ensemble and Jazz Band.
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Angela Peters said, “We are truly excited for the talent that will be cultivated at ASU for our students and the overall campus community under the leadership of William Brooks. We also look forward to the relationships that will build upon this addition to our institution.”
Brooks is an active adjudicator, clinician, guest conductor, musician, producer, and music engineer throughout the United States. He currently serves as the Minister of Music at Hickory Grove Missionary Baptist Church where he plays the piano and directs the choir. He operates as a music producer and sound engineer for various music artists and theater productions. He frequently performs around the country playing various genres of music including salsa, jazz, rock, country, R&B, and gospel. He is happily married to Channon Brooks and together they have one son.