BMMB History
The Fort Valley State College Band was organized in 1946 by Mr. George Dewey Adams. A veteran of the United States Navy Band, a graduate of Morris Brown College and Vandercook College of Music, Professor Adams served as band director at Fort Valley State College and Hunt High School in the Peach County Public School System. The college band was comprised of students from both the high school and college. Mr. Adams served as Director of Bands until 1966.
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Dr. Ulysses Sampson served as Director of Bands from 1966 until 1973. Dr. Sampson received a Bachelor's degree from Alabama State University, a Master’s degree from the University of Michigan, and a Ph.D. degree from Indiana University. During his tenure, the band began to use only college students and grew to 96 musicians.
Dr. Sampson was assisted by Mr. George Holland who was a graduate of Fort Valley State College and Vandercook College of Music. The band made its first national television appearance under the leadership of Dr. Sampson and Professor Holland.
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