Day in the Life: Jeremy Stovall
JSU Marching Southerners Assistant Director of Bands
Toni Merriss
Issue date: 11/16/06 Section: Features
T.S. Eliot once said, "You are the music while the music lasts." But for JSU alumnus and assistant director of bands, Jeremy Stovall, his music is just beginning in the exposition of life.
When Stovall began his musical career in the sixth grade, he had no idea that his actions were only the baby steps for what his future had in store for him.
"I just gravitated toward the saxophone when we picked instruments. I'm really not sure why, but it really appealed to me and I have loved it ever since," said Stovall.
During his freshman year, the Saks High School graduate played the saxophone but took over as drum major his sophomore year. He led the Marching Wildcats for three years as the Drum Major at Jack Stewart Field until his graduation in 1998.
"Living so close to JSU, it was just a natural transition for me to come here. I always looked up to my band director and he was a former drum major for the Southerners. It was just really what I wanted to do, " said Stovall. He got his chance in the fall of his freshman year to join the Marching Southerners and has not looked back since.
However, having marched saxophone both his freshman and sophomore years with the Southerners, a feeling of deja'vu emerged as he was elected assistant drum major his third year, and he continued on the path to success by claiming the prestigious position of drum major for the next four years.
"The Marching Southerners is such a great atmosphere. It is amazing, but even with 375 members, I am closer to people in the band than I am some of my own family," said Stovall.
After earning his master's degree in music education, Stovall became an adjunct professor in the music department. Just this year, he obtained a full-time status and one of the assistant director of bands titles.
Between working with the Marching Southerners and the concert program (the Chamber Winds and the Wind Ensemble) alongside Director of Bands Ken Bodiford and Assistant Director of Bands Clint Gillespie, Stovall also has a few other responsibilities on his plate. He is the conductor of the pit orchestra for all the musical productions in the spring semester and also runs the JSU Hardcorps Pep Band that performs at the JSU basketball games.
When Stovall began his musical career in the sixth grade, he had no idea that his actions were only the baby steps for what his future had in store for him.
"I just gravitated toward the saxophone when we picked instruments. I'm really not sure why, but it really appealed to me and I have loved it ever since," said Stovall.
During his freshman year, the Saks High School graduate played the saxophone but took over as drum major his sophomore year. He led the Marching Wildcats for three years as the Drum Major at Jack Stewart Field until his graduation in 1998.
"Living so close to JSU, it was just a natural transition for me to come here. I always looked up to my band director and he was a former drum major for the Southerners. It was just really what I wanted to do, " said Stovall. He got his chance in the fall of his freshman year to join the Marching Southerners and has not looked back since.
However, having marched saxophone both his freshman and sophomore years with the Southerners, a feeling of deja'vu emerged as he was elected assistant drum major his third year, and he continued on the path to success by claiming the prestigious position of drum major for the next four years.
"The Marching Southerners is such a great atmosphere. It is amazing, but even with 375 members, I am closer to people in the band than I am some of my own family," said Stovall.
After earning his master's degree in music education, Stovall became an adjunct professor in the music department. Just this year, he obtained a full-time status and one of the assistant director of bands titles.
Between working with the Marching Southerners and the concert program (the Chamber Winds and the Wind Ensemble) alongside Director of Bands Ken Bodiford and Assistant Director of Bands Clint Gillespie, Stovall also has a few other responsibilities on his plate. He is the conductor of the pit orchestra for all the musical productions in the spring semester and also runs the JSU Hardcorps Pep Band that performs at the JSU basketball games.
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Bud Kitchin
posted 11/29/06 @ 6:55 PM CST
Outstanding story! The article truly portrayed Jeremy's love for music, the sax and everything JSU. Go Cocks!
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