Dr. Kenneth Bodiford
Emeritus Director
Dr. Kenneth G. Bodiford served as the Director of Bands and Assistant Professor of Music at Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama, from 1994 until his retirement. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education at Jacksonville State University, his Master of Music in Music Education and Wind Ensemble Conducting degree at East Carolina University, and his Doctorate of Musical Arts in Instrumental Conducting degree from The University of Alabama.
During his tenure, Dr. Bodiford was the conductor of the Jacksonville State University Chamber Winds, the university's premier wind ensemble. Under his direction, the ensemble performed for prestigious regional and national venues, including the Alabama Music Educators Conference and the Bands of America Concert Festival Regionals, in addition to regular performances throughout the northeast Alabama and Georgia regions. Alongside his responsibilities as Director of Bands, Dr. Bodiford taught instrumental conducting courses and maintained a prolific national schedule as a clinician, adjudicator, and guest conductor.
Dr. Bodiford also served as the director of the internationally renowned “Marching Southerners.” Following his appointment, the band program saw consistent growth in both size and prestige; under his leadership, the Marching Southerners expanded from approximately 144 members to over 450. The ensemble’s achievements during his era included:
Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Bodiford studied with many of the nation's finest conductors. As an undergraduate, his mentor was Dr. David L. Walters, Director Emeritus of Jacksonville State University. He also refined his craft under the tutelage of Dr. William Wiedrich, Dr. Robert Ponto, Dr. Ken Ozzello, and Dr. Frank Battisti.
Dr. Kenneth G. Bodiford served as the Director of Bands and Assistant Professor of Music at Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama, from 1994 until his retirement. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education at Jacksonville State University, his Master of Music in Music Education and Wind Ensemble Conducting degree at East Carolina University, and his Doctorate of Musical Arts in Instrumental Conducting degree from The University of Alabama.
During his tenure, Dr. Bodiford was the conductor of the Jacksonville State University Chamber Winds, the university's premier wind ensemble. Under his direction, the ensemble performed for prestigious regional and national venues, including the Alabama Music Educators Conference and the Bands of America Concert Festival Regionals, in addition to regular performances throughout the northeast Alabama and Georgia regions. Alongside his responsibilities as Director of Bands, Dr. Bodiford taught instrumental conducting courses and maintained a prolific national schedule as a clinician, adjudicator, and guest conductor.
Dr. Bodiford also served as the director of the internationally renowned “Marching Southerners.” Following his appointment, the band program saw consistent growth in both size and prestige; under his leadership, the Marching Southerners expanded from approximately 144 members to over 450. The ensemble’s achievements during his era included:
- Recognition in the Congressional Record of the 111th Congress for the production “Of Thee I Sing.”
- Performances in Gubernatorial and Presidential inaugural parades.
- An appearance in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
- Leading the 2012 London New Year’s Day Parade.
- Performing for the 75th Anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor in Oahu, Hawaii (2016).
- Leading the 2018 World Peace Parade in Rome, Italy.
Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Bodiford studied with many of the nation's finest conductors. As an undergraduate, his mentor was Dr. David L. Walters, Director Emeritus of Jacksonville State University. He also refined his craft under the tutelage of Dr. William Wiedrich, Dr. Robert Ponto, Dr. Ken Ozzello, and Dr. Frank Battisti.
