Couresty of Stephen Fusi, North Carolina Central University
North Carolina Central University (NCCU) has appointed Jovan Alexander Wilson director of University Bands, effective July 3, 2023, after a competitive national search. Wilson will report to the interim dean of the College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities, Carlton Wilson, Ph.D.
Wilson served NCCU as interim director of University Bands during the 2022-2023 academic year and led the program during several significant appearances, including a halftime performance at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the 2022 Celebration Bowl; a performance at the Gotham City Battle of the Bands as one of three featured collegiate bands; and feature performances at the Dreamville Music Festival and Marvel x Sprite movie premiere of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” In line with his responsibilities to recruit and retain talent for the program, Wilson hosted the NCCU Sound Machine’sannual Band Blast Day Camp, attracting a near-record of more than 500 high school band students who attended.
Wilson will continue to direct all aspects of the University Bands program, including the NCCU Sound Machine, the Symphonic Band and the Pep Band. Wilson has served as chief music arranger for the NCCU Sound Machine and earlier in his career, he held increasingly responsible music leadership roles at Delaware State University (DSU), including interim director of University Bands, assistant director of University Bands and director of bands for DSU’s Early College High School. He has also served as music arranger for 14 high school bands in the eastern United States.
Wilson holds a Bachelor of Arts in music performance from DSU, a Master of Education in educational leadership from National University and a Master of Music Education with a concentration in wind ensemble conducting at Longy Conservatory of Music at Bard College.
