Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South
FACULTY AND STAFF
John R. Graham Jr.
Mr. John Graham, a native of Little Rock, Arkansas and a graduate of Little Rock Central High School, received his undergraduate degree in Music Education from the University of Central Arkansas and a Master’s Degree from the University of Central Arkansas. He has done further study at Arkansas Tech University, University of Memphis, and University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Northeastern University, and the University of Colorado Bolder.
In 1994, Mr. Graham began his service as Director of Bands at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB). As Director, Mr. Graham oversees two concert bands, the UAPB Wind Symphony, and the 280 piece marching band, known as “The Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South” (M4). Prior to coming to UAPB, he served as Director of Bands at Parkview Arts and Sciences Magnet High School, Little Rock Central High School, McClellan High School, and North Chicago Community High School. Mr. Graham has been featured as a Clinician and Judicator for more than 20 schools in approximately eight states.
Darryl Evans
Mr. Evans is a native of Chicago, Illinois. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education from Grambling State University of Louisiana, where he studied Marching Band Techniques with the legendary Conrad Hutchinson, Jr., and his Master of Music Degree from Northwestern State University of Louisiana. He has been successful in developing, award winning instrumental music programs at various levels. Mr. Evans has taught in the public schools of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Under Mr. Evans’ leadership the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Jazz Ensembles has evolved into one of the premier collegiate jazz bands in the nation. Mr. Evans also directs the Black Concert Band is an Assistant Director of the Marching Band, and is an Instructor of Low Brass and Theory.
As a musician, he has had the opportunity to play professionally in a variety of settings. He has received numerous honors and awards including Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, and has served as a clinician and adjudicator.
Harold Fooster Jr.
A native of Ashdown, Arkansas, Mr. Fooster received his Bachelor of Music Education from Henderson State University and a Master of Music Education from the University of North Texas. Mr. Fooster has previously taught at various high schools and junior high schools in Arkansas (Taylor, Malvern, El Dorado, Texarkana), and Texas (Liberty-Eylau High School, Texarkana, TX). He is currently serving his second stint at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff as an assistant band director and percussion instructor. Mr. Fooster has conducted honor bands in Arkansas and Tennessee and has served as an adjudicator in Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Ohio, Tennessee, and Texas. Under Mr. Fooster’s direction, the UAPB drum line has performed for Wal-Mart share-holders, our 41st President George W. Bush, various drum line competitions, and performances in Arkansas, Texas, Tennessee, and Missouri. As a performer, Mr. Fooster currently performs with the Little Rock Wind Symphony and has performed with the South Arkansas Symphony, Pine Bluff Symphony, UNT Symphonic Band, various jazz bands and combos.
Gerome Hudson
Mr. Gerome Hudson Is a product of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Entering the university in 1980 under the direction of the late Harold Strong, he earned B.S. Degree in Music Education 1985 and became an assistant to Mr. Odie Burrus in 1988. During his tenure he has amassed over 1,200 music arrangements and compositions and currently holds the position of Chief Arranger of Music and also Marching Drill Design.
Many of the formations the band is famous for came from his creativity such as the M4 Shield and other dance routine formations. He is also the composer of many original songs including the band’s theme song entitled “M 4” and the “M 4 Remix” Gerome has also arranged for numerous high schools and colleges across the country.
Shelia Early
Dr. Ann Williams
Ann, a native of Kinston, North Carolina, she moved to Pine Bluff, Arkansas in 1990. She currently serves as the Director, Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce and Executive Director, Leadership Pine Bluff program. She also serves as Auxiliary Advisor for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South Band (M4) 1990-2005 and 2013-Present.
Ann serves on the Board of Directors West Pine Bluff Rotary, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Foundation Fund Board, Southeast Arkansas College Foundation Fund Board and the Leadership Pine Bluff Alumni Association Board. She is a member of The Links Incorporated, Tau Beta Sigma National Band Sorority Inc., Junior League of Pine Bluff
and Family Church in White Hall, AR.
A graduate of Elizabeth City State University, North Carolina, Ann has a Bachelor of Science degree in Child Psychology, a graduate of the University of Arkansas (Little Rock) with a Masters of Arts degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, and a 2010 graduate of the Chamber Management Institute earning IOM status, at the University of Arizona (Tucson). She is a recent graduate of the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Science,
Department of Psychology at the University of Arkansas (Fayetteville) earning a Ph.D. in
Experimental Psychology. Ann is married to Kim Williams and has a 21 year old daughter Christen BreAnn.
Whitney Lee
Whitney Lee is a native of Little Rock, Ar. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) in 2010. In 2013 she earned her Master of Science Degree in Addiction Studies from UAPB. She currently works at Rivendell Behavioral Health Services of Arkansas as a Mental Health Associate.
Whitney found a passion for twirling at Little Rock Central High School, and has continued ever since. She performed as a 24 Karat Golden Silk from 2006-2011. She served as Co-Captain for the 2007- 2008 School year. She was Captain for the 24 Karat Golden Silks from 2008- 2011. She assisted with the 24 Karat Golden Silks from 2011-2014.
Joshua Strong
Joshua Strong is a native of West Memphis, Arkansas, where he graduated from West Memphis High School in 2009. In the fall of 2009 he enrolled in UAPB as a computer science major. During his tenure at UAPB (2009-2014), he marched in The Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South as a trombone player.
Joshua graduated from UAPB in May 2014 with a bachelors of science degree in computer science and quickly enrolled in graduate school at UAPB to obtain his masters degree in computer science and information technology.
Joshua is currently a webmaster at UAPB and he maintains the social media and website for the Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South.