Dedicated on both sides of the hallway leading to CSU's Department of Art's computer labs, in gold frames and personal bios beneath, the National High School Band Directors Hall of Fame has 53 members, five of which are of African-American descent.

Co-founded in 1985, by Dr. Watie Riley Pickes and Mr. Bobby Lee Cude, the National High School Band Directors Hall of Fame is organized for the purpose of recognizing and honoring outstanding high school band directors. In honor of Black History Month, the five men of African-American descent in the NHSBD Hall of Fame are in focus and their bios are transcribed for your viewing and reading pleasure below.

Michael Ward

Ohio, 1996

Michael Ward received the Bachelor degree in Music Education degree from Bowling Green State University in 1973 and a Masters degree in Education from the University of Dayton in 1988. Additionally, he received the Supervisor Principal and Assistant Superintendent Certification for the State of Ohio from Ashland College in 1989 & 1990. In 1976 he was selected as the man of the year in the Canton, Ohio. His McKinley Senior High School Band (Ohio) has won numerous honors and national prominence in various parades, competitions, and performances. He has played with Gladys Knight and the Pips, The Temptations, and Aretha Franklin. He was the first African-American Band Leader in northeastern Ohio. He is currently the principal of Martin Luther King, Jr. High School in Cleveland, Ohio.

William F. Foster

Florida, 1986

Dr. William F. Foster received the Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Kansas and the Master of Arts degree from the Wayne State University. He earned the Educational Doctorate from Columbia University. Among his experiences during his esteem career have included: Lincoln High School; Ft. Valley State University; Tuskegee Institute; and Florida A&M University. He also served as the Director for the McDonald's All-American High School Band. He is a recipient of the prestigious Distinguished Service to Musical Medal sponsored by Kappa Kappa Psi National Professional Fraternity for Band. Under his direction, the Florida A&M University Band is considered one of the finest marching ensembles in the nation. The McDonalds All-American High School is composed of a select group of musicians from each state in the nation. They are among the nations finest and can be seen regularly at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.

Ralph Lindsey

Georgia, 2006

Ralph Lindsay is the Supervisor of Music Education for the Peach County School System in Ft. Valley, Georgia. Prior to this service he served as the Director of Bands for the Peach County High School for 32 years. He received his Bachelor of Music education degree form Ft. Valley State University in 1968. During a tour of service in the United States Army, he devised a unique supplement to the curriculum which utilized music as part of the teaching of soldiers for basic studies. His bands have received numerous awards in many areas including areas of marching, concert, and jazz.

Vincent Rosse

Georgia, 2001

Mr. Vincent K. received his B.A. in Music Education from the University of Southern Mississippi and his M. A. in Music Education from Troy State University in Troy, Alabama. His professional teaching career began in Columbia, Mississippi at Jefferson Middle and Columbia High Schools. Mr. Rosse also taught at Spencer High School in Columbus. Mr. Rosse is widely sought after as an adjudicator and conductor. His bands have performed in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, the tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, The All-American Music Festival in Orlando, Florida and Performing Arts Abroad in Mexico City, Mexico. He has also served as the percussion instructor at the Southeastern Music Center at Columbus State University; Guest Conductor and Percussion Instructor at The Encore Music Camp at Georgia College; and Assistant Director for the Atlanta Olympic Band. Mr. Rosse is a 2004 recipient of the John Philip Sousa Legion of Honor.

Donald Clark

Georgia, 2005

Donna Clark has served as the Director of Bands for Crawford County High School in Peach County High School. He guided the Crawford County Band for twelve years where he led them to countless national honors. While under his Direction, the Peach County High School Band has achieved multiple honors at both state and national competitions. He has been named the Teacher of the Year for Crawford County HS as well as the Crawford County School System teacher of the year. He has served as a clinician and adjudicator throughout the southeast.

The museum for the NHSBD Hall of Fame is open to the public, and located at the address below;

For further information on the High School Band Directors Hall of Fame visit their website.