Albany State University (ASU) is proud to announce that William T. Brooks has been named as the Director of Bands. He will also serve as an Assistant Professor of Music in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Brooks is a native of Detroit, Michigan. He earned his bachelor’s degree in music education from Middle Tennessee State University’s McLean School of Music where he was a conducting student of Mr. Craig Cornish and Dr. Reed Thomas. He completed his master’s degree in music education at the University of Memphis Scheidt School of Music and completed all course work to earn a Doctor of Music Education at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.

He is a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated, serving as the Talent Hunt Committee Chair. He is also a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Music Fraternity and Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity. He has held memberships in the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and the Tennessee Music Education Association (TMEA).

Albany State University President, Marion Ross Fedrick said, “Brooks exhibits extensive knowledge, vision, and passion for the success of our music program and students which makes him the best fit for ASU. I look forward to his innovative strategies to improve and connect our campus with local and global musical talents.”

Prior to his appointment at ASU, he served as the Assistant Director of Bands and Assistant Professor of Music (High Brass) at Kentucky State University. His responsibilities in the Department of Music included teaching Music Theory, Music History, Elementary Music Methods, Brass Techniques, Arranging and Applied Music Lessons. Additionally, he played a role in conducting the Marching & Pep Bands, Symphonic Band, Brass Ensemble and Jazz Band.

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Angela Peters said, “We are truly excited for the talent that will be cultivated at ASU for our students and the overall campus community under the leadership of William Brooks. We also look forward to the relationships that will build upon this addition to our institution.”   

Brooks is an active adjudicator, clinician, guest conductor, musician, producer, and music engineer throughout the United States. He currently serves as the Minister of Music at Hickory Grove Missionary Baptist Church where he plays the piano and directs the choir. He operates as a music producer and sound engineer for various music artists and theater productions. He frequently performs around the country playing various genres of music including salsa, jazz, rock, country, R&B, and gospel. He is happily married to Channon Brooks and together they have one son.