Troy University is honoring Dr. John M. Long with a concert as the second installment of the celebratory event. The concert will be held at the Montgomery Campus, on March, 28 at 7 p.m., inside of the Davis Theater for Performing Arts. Admission for this event is $10.
Dr. Long plays a major role in the history of Troy University. He served as the director of bands from 1965-1996. Under his direction, 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 Alabama.
He is a member of numerous prestigious organizations. These organizations include the National Band Association Hall of fame of Distinguished Band conductors, and he was also a past president of the American Bandmasters Association. Dr. Long also is a part of the Alabama Bandmasters Hall of fame.
During his three year career at Troy, Dr. Long also served other various jobs at the University. These jobs included chair of the music department, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences and Dean of the School of Fine Arts. Two buildings on the Troy campus bear his name- John Maloy Long Hall and the Hawkins-Adams-Long Hall of Honor, which houses the National Band Association’s Hall of Fame.
The first “Tribute to Dr. Long” concert was held on March 21 on the Troy Campus inside of the Claudia Crosby Theater. Some of Dr. Long’s favorite songs were performed, as well as a performances from other bands. Featured guest conductors included Mike Nakasone, current band director for the Royal Hawaiian Band, and Paula Cider, both of whom are close friends of Dr. Long.
Dr. Mark Walker, Troy’s current band director, called Dr. Long ‘a Force of Nature.’
“He has more energy than any college student I have ever met. He is 87 years old, and he is still full of energy!” Dr. Walker really enjoyed performing for Dr. Long to honor him and thank him for all he has done for Troy University. “He is person we look up to, and it is so good that he is still around.”
During the upcoming concert Dr. John Long himself will be conducting “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”
