Fayetteville State University’s Director of Bands — Leads Acclaimed Marching Bronco Xpress, Pep Bands, Ensembles
|
Posted By: Kennedy Williams on September 01, 2022 Fayetteville State University (FSU) named Austin R. Chalmers as director of bands and lecturer in the Department of Performing and Fine Arts effective August 1, 2022. Chalmers directs the Marching Bronco Xpress and conducts the FSU Symphonic Winds, Wind Symphony and University Pep Band. He began teaching at FSU in 2019 as assistant director of bands and lecturer, conducting instrumental ensembles and teaching classes in music education, conducting, music technology and instrumental methods. He then served as interim director of bands in 2021. Prior to joining FSU, Chalmers was a band director in the Cumberland County School system (CCS) at Westover High School for 10 years. There, he oversaw a comprehensive band program that produced superior-rated concert bands and chamber ensembles in addition to an award-winning marching band. He was named the 2015 CCS All-County High School Band guest conductor and was president of the Cumberland County Band Directors Association for two years. “We are delighted to have Austin Chalmers leading our celebrated bands and teaching music at FSU,” said Monica T. Leach, Ed.D., provost and senior vice chancellor for academic affairs. “Not only is he one of Fayetteville’s native sons, he also brings a wealth of talent, experience and enthusiasm to the post that inspires our students and enriches FSU’s storied tradition of excellence in our performance ensembles. We look forward to seeing the Marching Bronco Xpress perform on game days as well as hearing much more from all our talented ensembles.” Chalmers is a native of Fayetteville, North Carolina, specifically the FSU/Murchison Road community. He is a 2002 graduate of E. E. Smith High School where he was a member of the Magnificent Marching Machine. He earned his bachelor’s degree in music from North Carolina Central University and completed his master’s degree in music education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Chalmers’s professional affiliations include the National Association for Music Education, the College Band Directors National Association, HBCU Band Directors Consortium, Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, Inc., Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America, Inc. and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He and his wife, Shanelle Chalmers, have one son, Grayson. SOURCE Fayetteville State University If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
 |
Kennedy Williams
From Loganville, GA Spelman College class of 2020 Member Since July 2016 |
Comments
More From This Author
Latest News
 |
The Jennifer Hudson Show Partners with the Student Freedom Initiative for a Special Episode Kicking Off HBCU Aware Fest 2026The Jennifer Hudson Show hosts a special episode on Tuesday, March 17 highlighting the legacy of HBCUs and the Student Freedom Initiative’s impactful work, including its inaugural Aware Fest concert. ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 131 Views • March 17th, 2026 |
 |
From the Hill to Hollywood: FAMU Drum Major Dupe Oloyede Takes the Oscar StageAwestruck.
Oluwamodupe “Dupe” Oloyede, a senior theater major at Florida A&M University, found herself in awe of the magnitude of what was unfolding in her life.
The first female head drum major ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 101 Views • March 17th, 2026 |
 |
NIST Awards Nearly $9M to Advance Morgan State Microelectronics and Microbiology ResearchMorgan State University has been awarded nearly $9 million in federal research funding as part of a broader $58 million federal investment supporting public safety, Chesapeake Bay preservation, and re ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 175 Views • March 16th, 2026 |
Popular News
 |
North Carolina HBCU Unity DayShaw University - Elizabeth City State University - Johnson C. Smith University - Fayetteville State University - Livingstone College - North Carolina A&T State University - North Carolina Central Uni ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 105,629 Views • August 8th, 2016 |
