Dr. James B. Oliver, Director of Bands Alabama State University and strong advocate for music programs, holds a Bachelor’s in Music Education from Alabama State University, a Master’s of Education from Wright State University, and a Doctorate in Education, from Northcentral University.
Dr. Oliver started his career in 1980 as a band instructor in the Dayton, Ohio Public Elementary and High School System where the bands garnered numerous awards under his leadership. In 1988 Dr. Oliver became the interim Director of Bands at Central State University until he was offered the full time position in 1989.
During his 12 years at CSU, Dr. Oliver and the Marching Marauders traveled to Europe to
perform at various events which were televised: 1991 World League of American Football in
Spain and England and again for The World Bowl of American Football League.
Since 2000, Dr. Oliver has built a solid band program at ASU which includes The Mighty
Marching Hornets, and the ASU Concert and Pep Bands. Under his leadership, the Mighty
Marching Hornets have garnered countless competitive awards, participated in several national and professional events and have appeared in various entertainment platforms such as television, movie and video:
The Ellen DeGeneres Show 2007
Honda Invitational Battle of the Bands Showcase
MTV VMA Awards 2013
Robin Thicke music video “Give it 2 U”
Lifetime Network Realty Show “Bama State Style” 2015
soon to be released Tri Star Pictures, “Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk”
The 2019 Tournament of Roses Parade, Pasadena, Calif.
2017 America Got Talent
2018 Show Time at the Apollo Bronx, New York.
On September 25, 2014 Dr. Oliver received from the City of Montgomery, Alabama Office of the Mayor Proclamation, “Director James Oliver Day”.
Dr. Oliver has led a very accomplished career throughout his 38 year tenure in music education and to this day he continues to excel and be an innovator in his field.
Dr. Oliver started his career in 1980 as a band instructor in the Dayton, Ohio Public Elementary and High School System where the bands garnered numerous awards under his leadership. In 1988 Dr. Oliver became the interim Director of Bands at Central State University until he was offered the full time position in 1989.
During his 12 years at CSU, Dr. Oliver and the Marching Marauders traveled to Europe to
perform at various events which were televised: 1991 World League of American Football in
Spain and England and again for The World Bowl of American Football League.
Since 2000, Dr. Oliver has built a solid band program at ASU which includes The Mighty
Marching Hornets, and the ASU Concert and Pep Bands. Under his leadership, the Mighty
Marching Hornets have garnered countless competitive awards, participated in several national and professional events and have appeared in various entertainment platforms such as television, movie and video:
The Ellen DeGeneres Show 2007
Honda Invitational Battle of the Bands Showcase
MTV VMA Awards 2013
Robin Thicke music video “Give it 2 U”
Lifetime Network Realty Show “Bama State Style” 2015
soon to be released Tri Star Pictures, “Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk”
The 2019 Tournament of Roses Parade, Pasadena, Calif.
2017 America Got Talent
2018 Show Time at the Apollo Bronx, New York.
On September 25, 2014 Dr. Oliver received from the City of Montgomery, Alabama Office of the Mayor Proclamation, “Director James Oliver Day”.
Dr. Oliver has led a very accomplished career throughout his 38 year tenure in music education and to this day he continues to excel and be an innovator in his field.