Troy University ’s Dr. John M. Long was recently honored with the Barbara Odom Award by The Alabama Music Educators Association (AMEA).

Dr. Long, director of bands emeritus at Troy University , was presented the award by Steve McLendon, past president of the Alabama Bandmasters Association, in honor of his more than 50 years of contributions to music education in the state. The award was given during the AMEA annual meeting at the University of Alabama in January. Dr. Long accepted the award on behalf of all of his former students and the “outstanding person for which this award was named.”

The award, which is given annually to an individual who has contributed a lifetime of service and leadership to the area of music education, is named in memory of longtime AMEA treasurer Barbara Odom. The award was established in memory of Odom’s contributions to music education as an elementary music teacher in the Mountain Brook City Schools and as a volunteer in the association.

Dr. Long, who served as director of bands at Troy University from 1965 until is retirement in 1996, is a member of Omicron Delta Kappa honor society, Phi Delta Kappa, Kappa Kappa Psi honorary band fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha, Delta Chi fraternity and Phi Eta Sigma. He is also active as a guest conductor, speaker, clinician and adjudicator throughout the United States , Europe, Canada and Mexico .

In 1994, Dr. Long was elected to the National Band Association’s Hall of Fame of Distinguished Band Conductors, which is the highest honor that can be bestowed on an American Bandmaster.

During his tenure at TROY , the University’s “Sound of the South” marching band represented the state in four presidential inaugural parades and served as the official band for two presidential visits to the state.

Before coming to Troy University , Dr. Long directed several high school bands in the state of Alabama , including a stint as band director at Marshall County High School before even receiving his high school diploma. Hundreds of his former students have followed him into the career of music education.