WS Chronicle

The HBCU National Band and Orchestra Directors’ Consortium (HBCU-NBODC) has appointed Dr. Michael Magruder of Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) as its president. 

As president, Magruder will represent HBCU band directors and encourage participation in the 2025 conference. He will collaborate with the consortium’s executive board to plan the event, which will serve as a platform for sharing ideas, best practices, and resources to enhance music education. 

“All I’ve ever done is music. It’s my passion and joy. I’ve never had any other job,” Magruder said in a 2021 Zoom interview with the Winston-Salem Urban League of Young Professionals. “I stay involved because I love what I do with young folks.” 

HBCU-NBODC is dedicated to music education, providing student musicians with mentorship and resources to refine their skills. In addition, it offers workshops, masterclasses, and other events to help music educators improve their skills and techniques. The HBCU-NBDC provides a platform for band directors to connect with each other and share ideas. It’s the only organization of its kind that focuses on HBCUs. 

Dr. Magruder says he plans to focus on the younger band directors during his time as president. 

“I plan to use younger band directors to keep the conference alive and use social media to allow others to learn more about our organization,” he said.  In addition, Magruder wants to include fundraising to offset costs for the organization.   

Magruder is a Jackson, Mississippi, native. He graduated from Louisiana State University with a master of m.usic degree in clarinet performance in 1979. And later, he received his Ph.D. from the University of Mississippi.  

A key figure at WSSU since 2004, Magruder has led the Red Sea of Sound to multiple awards. The band was featured in an ESPN “First Take” promo with WSSU alum Stephen A. Smith and ranked No. 1 among Division II college bands by ESPN’s Undefeated in 2018 and 2019. 

Magruder will serve a two-year term.