John M. Long School of Music
The School of Music provides opportunities for all university students to develop the musical skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to become artistic performers and/or intelligent consumers of music.
The School of Music provides opportunities for all university students to develop the musical skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to become artistic performers and/or intelligent consumers of music.
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The John M. Long School of Music is a vital part of a dynamic, global university.
The School of Music has more than 250 undergraduate and graduate music majors and
undergraduate music minors and more than 30 faculty members who are world-class teachers,
scholars, conductors, composers, and performers.
The School of Music provides opportunities for all university students to develop
the musical skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to become artistic performers and/or
intelligent consumers of music. Music majors are provided with “real-world” educational
experiences designed to prepare them for viable careers in music. Graduate Assistantships
are available working with university bands, university choirs, music education, and
music industry.
The School of Music has a rich performance tradition. More that 15% of the TROY campus
is involved in music study. A comprehensive choral, instrumental, traditional, and
popular music ensemble program provides more than 200 public performances each year
to an audience of more than 250,000 people.
Troy University is a fully accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), and is an All-Steinway School.
For additional information, please call us at (334) 670-3322 or email music@troy.edu.
School of Music Calendar
Since 1853, Steinway and Sons pianos have set an uncompromising standard for sound, touch, beauty, and investment value. The All-Steinway distinction is a mark of prestige held by few institutions. In February 2015, Troy University was proud to become a member of this elite category by acquiring 29 Steinway pianos, including the first 9-foot and 7-foot sterling silver concert grand pianos in the world.
Being an All-Steinway School reinforces our goal of providing the best of the best to our current students, and, most importantly, it demonstrates our commitment to challenging students academically and providing opportunities for them to excel to their fullest potential.
The All-Steinway Initiative is an indication of Troy University's continuing commitment
to academic excellence.
https://www.steinway.com/news/articles/a-troy-story
Music is part of the universal human condition. Whenever and wherever humans have existed, so have music and entertainment. As a result, opportunities for careers in the music industry can be found far and wide. If you have an artistic vision, passion for music and business awareness, Troy University's Bachelor of Science in Music Industry program can help you refine your skills and prepare you for a wide variety of music industry jobs.
Bachelor of Science in Music Industry
As a music major, you'll have ample opportunities to enhance and share your vocal and instrumental talents. Whether you perform with one of TROY's many instrumental or vocal ensembles, as a music student you'll gain experience through taking part in some of the School of Music's annual, public performances. Students are provided with real-world experiences designed to prepare them for viable careers in music performance, music industry and music education should students decide to pursue education as a double major.
Bachelor of Arts in Music
Graduate with the education and real-world experience you need for a professional career in the music industry with Troy University's specialized MBA. TROY is the only university to offer a Music Industry MBA that's accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). By merging art and business, the TROY music business master's gives you all you need to break into the music industry — and to succeed in this rapidly evolving industry once you're there.
Master of Business Administration - Music Industry
Deepen your expertise in music pedagogy with a Master of Science in Music Education from Troy University's John M. Long School of Music. With an emphasis on either choral or instrumental music education, Troy's M.S. in Music Education is designed for educators who are passionate about their discipline. This program strengthens your teaching techniques while expanding your understanding of choral, instrumental, and general music education. Whether you're shaping young voices in elementary school or leading advanced ensembles at the high school level, you'll gain the skills to inspire, educate, and lead with confidence in P-12 settings.
Master of Science in Music Education
The 2025 - 2026 year marked the 60th Anniversary of The “Sound of the South” Marching Band. Dr. John M. Long created the band in its current form in the fall of 1965. The “Sound of the South” Marching Band entertains audiences regularly at all Troy home games and several away games. Recent away appearances include Troy University's bowl appearances at the Silicon Valley Classic in San Jose, Calif., the GMAC Bowl in Mobile, Ala., and appearances at the New Orleans Bowl in the Louisiana Superdome and the Cure Bowl in Orlando, Florida. In fact, over the past few years, the “South of the South” Marching Band has traveled tens of thousands of miles entertaining audiences literally from coast to coast.
Additionally, the “Sound” has been featured on all major broadcast and sports networks including ESPN, Fox Sports South and USA television networks. Other honors which the “Sound of the South” has received is the representation of the State of Alabama at the Inaugural Parades of President Richard Nixon (1969 and 1973), President Ronald Reagan (1985), and President George Bush (1989). The “Sound” has also performed halftime shows with Grammy Award-winning artists Brian McKnight, Lee Greenwood, The Temptations and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member, Chubby Checker.
The “Sound of the South” is the largest student organization on campus and its members have produced leaders in academics, student government, and athletics, as well as other areas of campus life.
For information regarding band scholarship auditions, please contact Dr. Mark Walker, Director of Bands at Troy University, Troy, AL 36082. Dr. Walker may be reached by phone at (334) 670-3281, or by email at troyband@troy.edu.
The Troy University Symphony Band, conducted by Dr. Mark J. Walker, is comprised of the top 55 - 63 wind and percussion students in the John M. Long School of Music. The ensemble has an active commissioning schedule and regularly participates in commissioning consortia. In 2011, this premiere group completed its first international tour, performing for enthusiastic audiences in Vancouver and at the Whistler Music Festival in Whistler, Canada.
In March 2014, the Symphony Band received the honor to perform the opening concert at the 80th Annual Convention of the prestigious American Bandmasters Association. The Band also performed for the Alabama Bandmasters Association All State Conference in 2017, and in 2018, the Symphony Band performed at the Southern Division Conference of the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA). Over the years, the Symphony Band has enjoyed an active recording schedule, and has recently produced their latest compact disc, The Troy University Symphony Band – Live! and has regularly provided demonstration recordings for C.L. Barnhouse, Alfred Publications, TRN and others. Throughout its distinguished history, the Symphony Band has recorded chapters for the acclaimed series “The Heritage of the March” and broadcast its own radio program, “Strike Up the Band!” for twenty years on the Southeastern Public Radio Network.
Since 2001, the Symphony Band has performed under the baton of every living member and inductee of the National Band Associations Hall of Fame of Distinguished Conductors.
The Troy University Symphony Band is open to all university students by audition at the beginning of each semester.
For information regarding band scholarships, auditions, or opportunities to support the band program through the University Foundation, please contact Dr. Mark J. Walker, Director of Bands at mjwalker@troy.edu or phone 334-670-3281. The street address is: 102 Long Hall, Troy University, Troy, AL 36082.
The Troy University Guitar Ensemble was established in 2010. Since this time the ensemble has performed numerous concerts and has participated in several guitar festivals. The Guitar Ensemble rehearses weekly and is open to all music major-guitarists in the School of Music as well as non-music majors that receive the instructor's approval. A wide range of repertoire consisting of all of the major style periods, as well as newly commissioned work, are explored and performed.
Please contact Dr. Robert Gibson for more information about the Troy University Guitar Ensemble at rgibson82106@troy.edu.
For over sixty years, the Troy University Collegiate Singers have provided first-rate performing experiences for students of all majors exploring outstanding repertoire from a wide variety of historical and cultural styles. Students learn skills in vocal technique, music reading, ensemble performance and more. Collegiate Singers serves as ambassadors of the university, performing at important university events, special school programs, and other regular performances. Collegiate Singers is open to all university students, with no audition is required; scholarships are available.
Dr. Michael J. Mills, conductor
Founded in 2006, the Troy University Concert Chorale is the premier vocal ensemble in the John M. Long School of Music. This mixed choir performs challenging classical, traditional, and contemporary choral repertoire at the highest level. The ensemble performs regularly throughout the United States, including a Carnegie Hall debut in New York City and multiple performances at the Alabama Music Educators Association conference. The group has toured internationally throughout Canada, Germany, and the Czech Republic. Membership is open by audition to students of all majors; scholarships are available.
Dr. Michael J. Mills, conductor
Membership in the Troy University Gospels Singers (TUGS) is open to TROY students from all faiths and backgrounds. The ensemble regularly performs music from the African American gospel tradition, spirituals, and non-idiomatic choral music primary composed by African American artists. TUGS has performed across the Southeastern United States, including performances for the late United States congressman John Robert Lewis and the Montgomery, Alabama memorial service of the notable civils rights activist Rosa Parks.
Dr. Henry Terry, conductor
The Troy University Percussion Ensemble was established in the Spring of 2009. Since that time, the ensemble has performed countless local, regional and national tours, as well as appearances at international conferences and conventions. The Troy University Percussion Ensemble is a 2-time winner of the Percussive Arts Society's International Percussion Ensemble Competition (2012 and 2015); as a result of these wins, the ensemble performed a 50-minute showcase concert at PASIC 2012 and 2015, in Austin, TX and San Antonio, TX, respectively. During the Fall 2019 semester, the Troy University Percussion Ensemble was featured on the PASIC stage for a third time, presenting the “New Music Literature” session – a 90-minute showcase concert of new compositions for percussion ensemble.
The Troy University Percussion Ensemble is dedicated to the highest possible level of performance, performing both standard repertoire and new works for percussion and mixed-chamber ensembles. We have established a standard of excellence, which provides amazing performance and collaborative opportunities for our students. Advocates of new music, the ensemble has had the privilege of commissioning with more than 25 composers, and giving the world premiere performance of more than 30 new works for percussion ensemble. The ensemble performs one concert per semester, and often embarks on performance tours throughout the region, during the spring semesters.
If you are interested in more information about the Troy University Percussion Ensemble, please contact Dr. T. Adam Blackstock at tblackstock@troy.edu.
Do you know a current high school student who is interested in pursuing Music Education as a career? Are you an in-service music teacher looking for a fun professional development opportunity?
Save the date for this year's “Troy University Music Education Day” on September 12, 2025!
Come join us for a day of workshops and sessions, tour our wonderful campus, and meet current students and faculty! We are also delighted to welcome back alumna Megan Anglin (‘13 and ‘15) to share some of her wonderful teaching ideas.
The event is free. Registration will open in mid-August!
The Southeastern United States Middle School Honor Band Clinic will be held on November 20-22, 2025. More information about this event will be available soon.
Registration is currently closed. Registration will reopen once all applications have been evaluated and results for SEUS 2026 have been released.
The S.E.U.S. Honor Band registration fee is $100. This fee includes participation in the event and a medal for each participant. Payment can be made with a school check, or individuals may pay online once registration opens. Please make school checks payable to "Troy University Foundation". No personal checks will be accepted. All personal checks will be returned and will delay the registration process for each student involved.
NO REFUNDS CAN BE ISSUED.
Chair Auditions:
Auditions will be held immediately following the opening meeting and performances by Troy University's Jazz Ensemble and POPulus. Students will be allowed to warmup and such there in Claudia Crosby Theater and will proceed to their respective audition locations among the Smith and Long Hall classrooms. Exact locations will be posted around the building upon arrival.
All non-percussionists will be asked to play a chromatic scale in the capable range of their instrument. They will also be asked to play a short sightreading exercise.
All percussionists will be asked to play a short set of etudes (available in late
2025).
Guest Clinicians:
Composer In Residence:
Parents, guardians, and/or band directors are responsible for making any and all lodging accommodations for students attending the High School S.E.U.S. Clinic and Honor Bands. All reservations are to be made directly with the hotel. Additionally, transportation to and from the hotel is the responsibility of the band director and/or chaperones of each student. Please be sure to let whatever hotel you choose know that you are participating in the S.E.U.S. Clinic and Honor Band. For your convenience, we have compiled a list of hotels located on or near U.S. 231 in Troy:
Please note that there will be other events taking place in Troy during this time. We recommend making hotel reservation early knowing that it is easier to cancel an unneeded room than it is to create a new reservation so close to the event.
Troy University alumnus Dr. Gene Butler has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to music education in Alabama, earning multiple prestigious honors while advocating for the next generation of educators. Dr. Butler has been named the President-Elect of the Alabama Bandmasters Association and honored as part of Yamaha's “40 Under 40” music education advocacy program. He was also named Lee County Schools Secondary Teacher of the Year for 2024-2025.
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