Written By Lexx Thornton
After more than two decades leading one of the most respected HBCU bands in the country, Alabama State University’s longtime band director, Dr. James Oliver, is stepping down. His students are sharing what his legacy means to them.Â
For 26 years, Dr. James Oliver has been the heartbeat behind the Mighty Marching Hornets. But today, he says it’s time. “It didn’t take long for me to realize that, okay, I’m this part of my life has now come to a close, but my students are with me forever,” Oliver explained.Â
Oliver says he nearly retired last year but stayed for one more incoming class; one more group to shape from “green to great.”Â
“It is an amazing feeling,” he said. “It is a very, very amazing feeling to see these young people come from students to young men and young ladies.”Â
The news spread quickly across campus, and for many students, it was difficult.Â
“When he received the band in the 2000s, it was probably about 110 members, and so now that he is leaving the band, He’s leaving it with three times as many members as he started with, so that’s always a great thing,” said Jarvis Carlisle, a former colleague and Mighty Marching Hornet.Â
Another former Mighty Marching Hornet, John McTier, followed.Â
Oliver says his phone buzzed with messages for hours, with students thanking him for the moments that shaped their futures.Â
“Thank everybody for all your support over the years. I love you guys, and I will be around,” said Dr. Oliver.Â
From national TV performances to hundreds of halftime shows, Dr. Oliver leaves behind more than music; he leaves a legacy of leaders. Dr. Oliver is expected to officially retire next year. He says while he’s stepping away from the podium, he’s not stepping away from the students, promising he’ll still be around to support the Hornet family.Â
