With their sounds rattling the walls of our luxurious HBCU, the Mighty Marching Thorobreds always come to show out. As many know, the band has and some hardship in the past, but it seems from the last game the band is far from that. Dr. Chism brings experience, talent, love, and passion for music education and has made a great first impression for the “heartbeat” of this program.
Many of us heard about the changes to MMT, but the only ones who can set the record straight are our very own director and members of MMT themselves. We had a chance to speak with some section leaders of the band and Dr. Chism. Anthony Thomas is a junior business major and joined MMT in Summer of 2022-23. We asked Anthony Thomas, with this being his first year as baritone section leader, were there any changes that occurred due to the transitions of the new Director of Bands? “I feel like the standard was set the same, I wouldn’t say anything has really changed. Dr. Chism does have a fantastic way of setting high standards for leadership,” said Thomas. As we see, Dr. Chism has made a great first impression on campus that he really cares for and about our luxurious HBCU. “Doc is just all-around a great guy, he’s genuine and tells he cares about the growth of the program, but not just the program the students as well.” said Thomas.
During Dr. Chism’s time at University of Arkansas Pine Bluff, he was able to play against Kentucky State’s Band 3 years in a row and got to meet some legendary directors that taught at our very own Kentucky State including Dr. Timothy Chambers, who was his mentor. With all the history Dr.Chism experienced, “I believe it was definitely meant for me to come here.” he said. Nonetheless, with Dr.Chism taking over, many students were wondering if there will be tryouts for auxiliary and band members. Dr. Chism stated that Krette and Silk tryouts are closed until next semester for spring but as for students that want to become instrumentalists or two-three banner holders are definitely welcome at this time. “Come on and come home” stated Chism.
The Mighty Marching Thorobreds are working towards greatness as they always do, setting high standards for all leaders and the students here at Kentucky State University. Dr. Chism is the man to “make it happen,” with little time he was able to get the band playing at our first football game of the season. When the job was handed to Chism he stated that none of this would have been possible if it was not for Dr. Robert “Griff” Griffin. “Dr. Griffin is MMT and without him this wouldn’t be possible,” stated Dr. Chism.
It looks like MMT future is as bright as it can be. Thank you and congratulations on becoming the new Director of Bands.
