Dr. Jessie L. Primer, III is a distinguished educator, saxophonist, and bandleader committed to advancing music education. With a Ph.D. in Music Education from the University of Mississippi, a Master's in Music Education from Jackson State University, and a Bachelor’s in Music from Alcorn State University, Dr. Primer has dedicated over two decades to teaching and mentoring students. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Music Department and Associate Professor of Music at Tougaloo College, where he has been instrumental in shaping the curriculum and fostering a passion for music among his students.

Throughout his career, Dr. Primer has been deeply involved in the academic community, contributing to numerous workshops and conferences. His notable publications, including his research on faculty perception of leadership styles and their impact on productivity, reflect his commitment to improving educational practices. He has shared his expertise at prestigious events such as the Hawaii International Conference and various New York University Faculty Network workshops, addressing topics ranging from jazz history to digital humanities.

Dr. Primer's dedication extends beyond the classroom through his involvement in securing significant grants and fellowships to support music education programs. He has successfully obtained funding from the United States Department of Education and the Entergy Corporation for initiatives like the Summer Music & Arts Camp, ensuring that students have access to enriching musical experiences.

He is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Jazz Educators of Mississippi, the Music Education National Conference, Broadcast Music Incorporated (BMI), Entertainment Director of Yuric Records, and the Board of Trustees for Jackson State University Public Radio Station.

Dr. Primer has received numerous honors and awards, including a Certificate of Appreciation from the United States Department of Defense, the Jackson Musical Award, a Resolution from the City Council of Jackson, MS, and the Madison County Chamber of Commerce. He also received the Mississippi Jazz Foundation Leadership Award and the Tougaloo College Humanities Teacher of the Year Award. Dr. Primer has also received credits on numerous albums and recordings.

Dr. Primer continues to influence the music education landscape. As an outstanding saxophonist, he has performed with renowned groups such as The Bluz Boys, B.B. King, Benjamin Wright, Cassandra Wilson, Eddie Harris, Brandy, Paul Overstreet, Sinbad, Calvin Richardson, and the Williams Brothers. He also leads a Jazz Quartet, a Jazz Quintet, Just Right, a Big Band, and the Jessie Primer Rhythm and Blues Band. Dr. Primer toured Europe and Yugoslavia for the U.S. troops stationed in the former Republic of Yugoslavia. During his several tours of Europe, he has performed as a guest soloist with the military band in London, England. Dr. Primer has also performed solo classical and jazz recitals at Alcorn State University, University of Mississippi, Jackson State University, Tougaloo College, and several high schools.

Dr. Primer's comprehensive skills, ranging from success in music programs to his leadership roles, underscore his commitment to excellence and innovation in music education.

Dr. Andrea Montgomery is a committed educator with a deep passion for advancing music education. She currently serves as Associate Professor of Music and Music Education at Tougaloo College where she teaches courses in Music History, Music Literature; Music in Elementary and Secondary Education, Research and Music Bibliography; and Piano. Previously, she has served as Chair for the Department of Music and Academic Deans for the Division of Humanities and currently the School of Education, Supervision, and Instruction.

After receiving the Bachelor and Master of Music Education degrees from Jackson State College and Jackson State University, respectively, Dr. Montgomery earned the Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Prior to completing the doctoral degree, Dr. Montgomery did further study in Musicology and Ethnomusicology at the University of Kansas (Lawrence) as a research fellow in Historical Musicology. Further study was also completed in Music Education at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio. As a postdoctoral pursuit, she earned the Master of Science Degree in Education Administration and Leadership from Mississippi College in Clinton, Mississippi. Dr. Montgomery has taught on all levels (Pre-K-12) at various private and public schools in the United States and the University of Reading (England). Her research interests involve curriculum development, pedagogue, instruction, and assessment. Her academic and professional work interests have afforded travel to Ghana and the French West Indies, studying music culture and music instruments for the development of a whole school’s cultural model addressing the teaching of elementary school world music and culture.

Dr. Montgomery is a member of several civic and academic organizations including the American Association of University Women, the American Musicological Society, the Society for Ethnomusicology (SEM), the Mississippi and National Associations for Music Education. Her skill sets and experiences include planning and goal setting; communications both verbal and written; mentoring and leadership development; program planning and development; and intercultural sensitivity and understanding. Dr. Montgomery continues to demonstrate her passion for fostering high standards and innovative approaches in music education.
 

Johnny Hubbard is a devoted educator and bassist, known for his dynamic presence in the jazz and blues scene. He has collaborated with some of the most esteemed artists in the genre, including Cassandra Wilson, Dorothy Moore, Rhonda Richmond, Frank McComb, Bobby Watson, Steve Turre, and Joe Jennings. His versatility and talent are further highlighted by his appearance in the 2014 biographical drama film "Get On Up."

In addition to his performance career, Mr. Hubbard is deeply committed to music education. He served as the Interim Coordinator of Jazz Studies within Jackson State University’s Department of Music during the 2020-2021 academic year. Since January 2015, he has been an Adjunct Instructor in Jazz Education at Jackson State University. Currently, Hubbard is an Instructor of Music at Tougaloo College in Jackson, Mississippi. Mr. Hubbard is dedicated to pushing boundaries and maintaining high standards in the field of music education.

Laurence Albert is a dedicated educator and bass-baritone vocalist, passionate about promoting music education. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Morehouse College in 1975. He continued his studies at the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) from 1975 to 1977 and at the University of Memphis (Tennessee) from 1978 to 1980. He received the Prize and Diploma in the Performance of the German Lied from the Franz Schubert Institut in Baden bei Wien, Austria, in 1980 and 1981. In 1982, he was awarded the "Marcus Prize" and Graduate Diploma in Vocal Performance from the St. Louis Conservatory of Music.

In 1977, Mr. Albert made his professional operatic debut as Balthazar in Gian Carlo Menotti's "Amahl and the Night Visitors" with Detroit's Michigan Opera Theatre. Subsequently, he toured with the Houston Grand Opera/Sherwin M. Goldman's historic production of George Gershwin's "Porgy and Bess" performing in Paris, Zurich, Geneva, Genoa, and Florence.

His talent was recognized by the Metropolitan Opera during its annual regional auditions in 1979, 1980, and 1981, where he received the "Pushkin Prize." In 1981, Mr. Albert became the first African-American singer chosen to represent the Mid-South Region of the United States in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, held on the Metropolitan Opera stage in New York City. Mr. Albert also received second prize in the l'Intérnational Concours de Chant de Paris (1983) and the grand prize in Le Tryptique Concours Intérnational de France (1985).

From 1983 to 2005, Mr. Albert worked in Europe, performing leading bass-baritone roles in opera and oratorio across radio and television in over 25 countries. He recorded for EMI/Pathé-Marconi (France), Meridian Records (Great Britain), Sukarno Records (Germany), and Kaopeoths (Greece).

Mr. Albert has taught at Rhodes College and the University of Memphis, and he has conducted masterclasses for the Berklee College of Music (Boston, MA), the Hayes School of Music (Appalachian State University), and his alma mater, Morehouse College. He has also served as an adjudicator for competitions in the United States, France, and Great Britain. Since August 2014, he has been teaching at Tougaloo College. Mr. Albert continues to shape the music industry and inspire future generations of musicians.

Terrance Jose Evans is a highly accomplished pianist and music educator with extensive experience in both academic and professional settings. He holds a Master of Music in Music Performance from the University of Mississippi and a Bachelor of Music in Music Performance from Jackson State University. In pursuit of further academic distinction, he is currently enrolled in the Doctor of Arts program with a concentration in Music Education at William Carey University. While serving as an Assistant Professor of Music at Tougaloo College, Mr. Evans teaches a wide range of courses, including Applied Piano, Music Theory, and Music Technology. His academic roles also extend to institutional effectiveness coordination and curriculum development, where he has contributed to the creation of a Music Technology and Music Industry Minor.

Mr. Evans brings a wealth of professional experience to his roles, having served as a Professional Audio Expert at Guitar Center and as a Music Director at several churches, including Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church and World Overcomers Ministries Church. His expertise in music technology is underscored by his certifications in recording software and hardware. As a professional pianist, Evans has performed solo and accompanied various artists, showcasing his versatility and skill in different musical genres.

Mr. Evans is not only a dedicated educator and professional, but also an active member of the music community. His contributions have been recognized with numerous accolades, including the 46th Annual MS Gospel Music Awards' Musician of the Year in 2024 and Tougaloo College's Humanities Teacher of the Year for 2021-2022. He has also received various grants, such as the Mississippi Arts Commission Performing Arts Fellowship and funding from the Mellon Foundation for linked courses at the Institute for the Study of Modern-Day Slavery, further demonstrating his impact on the music industry.

Evans is also a prolific composer and producer with many published works and studio collaborations. His music has been featured in projects by artists such as AJC & The Envelope Pushers, Dear Silas, and Seth Power. As a member of multiple professional organizations, including the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) and the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Mr. Evans continues influencing the music industry and inspiring the next generation of musicians.

Dr. Loretta Galbreath is a distinguished choral conductor, music educator, and vocal performer with over three decades of experience in music education and performance. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) in Choral Conducting from the American Conservatory of Music, a Master of Music Education (M.M.E.) from the University of Missouri – Columbia, and a Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E.) from Lincoln University of Missouri.

Her research interests center on multiculturalism in choral music education and the representation and contributions of African-American female choral conductors. She has presented at state and national conferences and has published scholarly work, including her article “Embracing Multiculturalism in Choral Music Education” in the National Social Science Journal.

Dr. Galbreath has taught a wide array of courses, including Concert Chorale, University Choir, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Applied Voice, Choral Methods and Materials, and Choral Literature and Techniques. She currently serves as Director of the University Choir, Women’s Chorus, and Vocal Jazz Ensemble at Jackson State University (JSU), where she also teaches applied voice and vocal jazz techniques.

A pioneer in vocal jazz at JSU, Dr. Galbreath founded the university’s first-ever Vocal Jazz Ensemble, producing its debut CD The Jazz Experience in 2010. Under her direction, the ensemble has achieved national and international recognition, winning the Gold Cup and Adjudicator’s Award at the International Choral Festival in Verona, Italy, and multiple Outstanding Performance Awards at prestigious jazz festivals.

Prior to her role at JSU, Dr. Galbreath taught in the Jefferson City Public Schools and served as Director of Choral Activities at Lincoln University of Missouri. Her leadership led to high-profile performances by the Lincoln University Vocal Ensemble at Carnegie Hall, the Missouri State Fair, and international stages in Austria and Germany. A notable collaboration during her tenure included recording with national recording artist Nelly.

In addition to her academic achievements, Dr. Galbreath is an accomplished performer and clinician. She has performed with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, the South Carolina Symphony Orchestra, and Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist Cassandra Wilson. She has served as guest clinician for multiple festivals and directed significant community projects such as the Jackson Community Mass Choir (JCMC), Mississippi Girls Choir, and the Gospel Voices of Jackson—coordinating their international performance and mission in Tokyo, Japan.

Dr. Galbreath's leadership and service have earned her numerous accolades, including recognition in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, Who’s Who Among Executive and Professional Women, Who’s Who of American Women, and Who’s Who in Black Mississippi.

She has held memberships with the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), National Association for Music Educators (NAfME), National Association for Teachers of Singing (NATS), Sigma Alpha Iota (SAI), National Collegiate Choral Organization (NCCO), and the Jazz Education Network (JEN).