Faculty and Staff
John R. Graham
Director of Bands, Conducting, Applied Woodwinds, Theory
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.
Harold Fooster
Assistant Band Director, Percussion, Percussion Ensemble, Conducting
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.
Darryl Evans
Jazz Band Director, Assistant Band Director, Theory, Low Brass
Mr. Darryl 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 Ensemble 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.
Gerome Hudson
Chief Arranger, Drill Designer
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 in 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
Administrative Special list III
Allyson Jackson
24 Karat Golden Silks Sponsor
Dr. Ann Williams
Golden Girls Sponsor
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.
Since August 2005, Allyson Y. Jackson serves as the Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South 24K Golden Silks Flag Line Coordinator for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Ms. Jackson’s love for music and flag twirling began at an early age at Dollarway Elementary School. She later became a part of the Dollarway Junior and Senior High School Concert and Marching Band where her instrument of choice was her clarinet. She also is an UAPB Flag Line alumnus. Ms. Jackson is currently employed as Associate for Administration in the Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Economic Development for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. In the Office of Research, Innovation and Economic Development, Ms. Jackson oversees varies grants, web page, newsletter and performs varied administrative work unique to the work unit requiring initiative and independent judgment. She is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff with a degree in Business Administration and a Master Degree in Business Administration at Webster University. .