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Dowell Taylor Named Interim Band Director at Jackson State

JACKSON, Miss. — Dowell Taylor has been named interim director of bands at Jackson State University.

President Dr. William B. Bynum Jr. said Thursday that Taylor will officially assume the role Sept. 18.

The Clarion-Ledger reports the university fired O’Neill Sanford as band director just before the football season began, saying it was “undergoing evaluations of all departments and their respective operational efficiency.”

Taylor previously served in the post from 1984-1992 and 2012-2016. He received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education at Jackson State and was a member of the Sonic Boom of the South marching band, earning the highest honor bestowed upon a band member – Best All-Around Bandsman.

Taylor says he is happy to once again play a small role in the success of JSU and the band program.

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