Alfred L. Watkins: An Historical Narrative of His Musical Life and Work with the Lassiter High School Band

• Other Authors: Thomas, Matthew J. (authoraut)
• Format: Others
• Language: English; English
• Published: Florida State University
• Subjects: Music
• Online Access: http://purl.flvc.org/fsu/fd/FSU_migr_etd-7239

Alfred L. Watkins came to Lassiter High School in 1982 from which point the band grew from its original membership of 78 participants to over 300 individuals in the total program. The marching band won the Bands of America Grand National Championships twice and appeared three times in both the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Tournament of Roses Parade. The premier Symphonic Band at Lassiter performed twice at The Midwest Clinic and both of the top two Symphonic Bands performed three times each at the Bands of America National Concert Band Festival. Numerous chamber ensembles at Lassiter performed at both regional and national level events, and the community band, the Cobb Wind Symphony, also performed at several prestigious conferences including The Midwest Clinic and twice at the College Band Directors National Association. While the diverse, comprehensive, well-balanced constitution of the Lassiter band program is intriguing, perhaps just as compelling is the story of how Watkins arrived at Lassiter. Born and raised in the small town of Jackson, Georgia, Watkins attended an all-black school in a segregated school system and began playing trumpet in the band in seventh grade. He attended Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, an Historically Black College and University, where he studied music education, and then taught for six years at Murphy High School in the Atlanta Public School System. When the band director position at the newly constructed Lassiter High School came available in 1981, he declined an offer for the job due to concerns related to the predominately white area where the school was located. However, when he was approached again the following year, he hesitantly accepted the position. The struggles and accomplishments Watkins experienced throughout his career, both personally and professionally, are of value to both current and future music educators as they strive to emulate successful models and form their own ideologies and effective practices. The purpose of this study, therefore, is to document the life, influences, and experiences of Alfred L. Watkins and his work with the Lassiter High School Band through 2010 and is presented in a chronological, narrative form. === A Dissertation submitted to the College of Music in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. === Spring Semester, 2010. === April 2, 2010. === Includes bibliographical references. === Richard S. Clary, Professor Directing Dissertation; James Mathes, University Representative; Patrick Dunnigan, Committee Member; Clifford Madsen, Committee Member.