Date
5-20-2026
Department
School of Music
Degree
Doctor of Music Education (DME)
Chair
Wayne Singleton
Keywords
HBCU, Marching Bands, Dr. Isaac Greggs
Disciplines
Music
Recommended Citation
Davis, Cortrell Le'Jon, "Transformational Leadership and Its Impact on Cultural Identity, Musical Excellence, and Legacy in Select Historically Black College And University Marching Bands." (2026). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 8350.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/8350
Abstract
This research examined the role of transformational leadership in shaping cultural influence, musical excellence, and community engagement in Historically Black college and university (HBCU) marching bands, with a focus on Southern University’s Human Jukebox and its leadership legacy. The researcher investigated leadership styles of band directors from Southern University Agricultural and Mechanical College, Baton Rouge, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Grambling State University, and Tennessee State University. The researcher examined transformational leadership styles in marching band directing and their influence on character development, culture, and musical excellence. Ten music majors and alumni, along with fifteen band directors provided their perspectives on character development, culture, and performance through interviews and surveys. With transformational leadership as the central theme, this study also examined the challenges HBCU band directors may have encountered, how they fostered artistic growth while maintaining tradition, and their success in their band programs. Findings confirmed that such leadership profoundly shapes students’ lives, instilling a sense of purpose that transcends performance. Through this mentorship, the rich culture of the HBCU marching band is preserved, personalized, and passed on to future generations.
