Oct. 22, 2015
CHARLESTON, W.Va. - The West Virginia Division of Culture and History (WVDCH) will induct two new members into the West Virginia Marching Band Directors Hall of Fame on Saturday, Oct. 24. The induction will take place during the awards ceremony at the fourth annual West Virginia Marching Band Invitational at the University of Charleston Stadium at Laidley Field, which begins at 9 p.m.
Honorees include Greg James, director of the Richwood High School marching band, and Timothy James, director of the Cabell Midland High School marching band.
Greg James has been teaching in public schools in West Virginia for almost 40 years and has served as the band director at Richwood High School for 31 years. James graduated from Glenville State College in 1976 and began his career as a music teacher for Nicholas County Schools, traveling to elementary schools throughout the county. During this time, James served as an instructor with the Richwood High School Band. In 1984 he became the band director. “The Lumberjack Express,” as the Richwood marching band is known, has grown exponentially under James’ leadership, averaging 130 members each year. With a total school population of 400, about one-third of the students at Richwood High School participate in the marching band. His bands have performed at prestigious events throughout the United States and Canada including the Gator Bowl, Kentucky Derby, Walt Disney World, Niagara Falls and the Indianapolis 500. They also have been selected by four governors to perform on the steps of the West Virginia Capitol for the annual “Joyful Night” tree lighting ceremony. James has implemented financial assistance programs and fundraisers throughout the years to make sure every student who wants to participate in the marching band has an instrument and can attend the yearly trips. His bands have won many awards and competitions locally and nationally and continue to excel under his leadership.
Timothy James received his Bachelor of Arts degree in music from Glenville State College in 1979 and earned his master’s degree from Marshall University in 1983. He studied dance, voice and musical theater at Point Park College in Pittsburgh, Pa., in 1984. James has been teaching for 33 years both in and out of Cabell County, including stops at Huntington High School, Guyan Valley High School, James Monroe High School and Enslow Middle School. Under his leadership, his marching bands have consistently received superior and excellent ratings. Over the years, they have won more than 1,100 awards, including 33 marching band and show choir Grand Champion awards. He is currently the band director at Cabell Midland High School, a position he has held since 2011. Before he became director, James served as assistant director for the marching band under Director Rhonda Smalley. Since he became director four years ago, the Marching Knights have been four-time Marshall University Tri-State Band Festival Grand Champion, three-time West Virginia Invitational Grand Champion, won more than 15 grand championships, Honor Band at the Strawberry Festival and received superior ratings at numerous band festivals.
“I am so pleased to induct Greg James and Timothy James into the West Virginia Marching Band Directors Hall of Fame. Together they have spent more than 70 years inspiring young students with a love of music and teaching spectacular performance skills that the audience can celebrate and enjoy,” said West Virginia Division of Culture and History Commissioner Randall Reid-Smith.
For more information, contact Caryn Gresham, deputy commissioner of the division, at (304) 558-0220.
The West Virginia Division of Culture and History is an agency within the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts with Kay Goodwin, Cabinet Secretary. The division, led by Commissioner Randall Reid-Smith, brings together the past, present and future through programs and services focusing on archives and history, arts, historic preservation and museums. For more information about the division’s programs, events and sites, visit www.wvculture.org. The Division of Culture and History is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
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