The HBCU National Band and Orchestra Directors’ Consortium has appointed Winston-Salem State University’s director of bands, Dr. Michael Magruder, as its president. In this prestigious role, Magruder leads the only national conference specifically tailored for HBCU band directors and students for a two-year term, which started in 2024.
The HBCU-NBODC is committed to advancing musical excellence at Historically Black Colleges and Universities by uniting music educators, directors, and performers nationwide. The consortium’s significant focuses are collaboration and professional development.
“I am extremely thrilled and excited to serve as president of this prestigious organization,” Magruder said. “I became involved with the organization in 2004. Since that time, the WSSU band program has attended each conference, and our students have represented the university well.”
Central to HBCU-NBODC’s mission is the belief in the transformative power of music education. The consortium ensures that student musicians receive the mentorship and resources they need to succeed. It also aims to celebrate the legacy of Black music while fostering innovation and growth for future musical leaders.
“My hope is that all HBCU directors see the value in an organization that focuses on HBCU band and orchestra directors,” Magruder said.
As president of the HBCU-NBODC, Magruder will act as the official spokesperson for HBCU directors and actively encourage other HBCU band directors to attend the 2025 conference. He will also work closely with the consortium’s executive board to plan the convention, which will serve as a forum for exchanging creative concepts, industry best practices, and materials to improve music education.
Before the Red Sea of Sound
The Jackson, Mississippi native brings a strong academic background and experience to his new position. In 1979, he graduated from Louisiana State University with a Master of Music degree in clarinet performance. In 2001, he received a PhD from the University of Mississippi. Before moving on to director positions at other schools, including Texas College and Jackson State University, he started his career as band director at Sadie V. Thompson Jr. High School in Natchez, Mississippi.
Since joining Winston-Salem State University in 2004, Magruder has cultivated the Red Sea of Sound Marching Band into an award-winning ensemble. Under his leadership, band members have earned scholarships and awards recognizing their talent.
This article sources information from Winston-Salem State University.
