
It’s Member on the Move time!
This week we are highlighting Dr. Ollie Liddell of Jackson, MS.
Lidell is an ‘06 Science graduate from Jackson State University. He has also received his Master of Music (2016); and Doctor of Philosophy (2020 ) from other institutions.
While at JSU, he participated in several organizations including:
The Sonic Boom of the South, Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble, Chemistry Society, and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. – Alpha Beta Chapter.
Liddell is currently the Director of Bands at Central High school where he leads a marching band of 150 students. In addition to his classroom duties, He also lends his expertise to several civic organizations including: Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., West TN School Band and Orchestra Association, and the American Bandmasters Association.
Liddell has received many awards for his band including:
Superior Rated Concert Band Performance, Jazz Band and Jazz Combo 2012-2020
Superior Rated Marching Band 2008 – 2019
Grand National Champions – 2017, 2018 High-Stepping Nationals Show Band
AAAA National Champions – 2017, 2018 High-Stepping Nationals Show Band
First Place and Faircloth Award Winner – Swing Central Jazz National HS Jazz Competition 2019
Central High School Band Featured in “Bring It” Lifetime Network 2018 Season
Winner of the 2020 Essentially Ellington Equity and Inclusion Initiative
161 Students were named to All-West Tennessee Band
23 Students were named to the Tennessee All-State Band
Some of his individual recognitions include:
Gamma Beta Phi Graduate Honor Society, University of Mississippi
Pi Kappa Lambda Graduate Honor Society, University of Mississippi
PhD Student of the Year, University of Mississippi 2017
Minority Scholar Fellowship, University of Mississippi
TEM Level 5 Teacher( 2012- 2019)
Why did you choose JSU?
JSU runs through my blood. I have loved JSU since birth. My father, 3 uncles, 3 brothers, 2 sisters, dozens of cousins, and even my daughter all graduated from JSU. I had an academic and band scholarship to JSU. I also participated in a summer program before my senior year in high school in chemistry and I loved the faculty.
What is your favorite or most fun memory from JSU?
I can not pick one memory. My time at JSU was the greatest in my life. The ones that come strongest to me are my time marching in the Boom, winning EVERY step show (we Sigmas were undefeated while I was there), and just the dozens of long lasting friendships that were formed.
Favorite rival game to attend? Southern – (SUcks)
What do you enjoy most about being a member of the JSU Memphis Alumni Chapter? Helping current students
Please share any additional fun fact or information about yourself.
I still play trombone professionally. I played for Marvin Sease, Mel Waiters, Bobby Bland, Parliament Funkadelic, and others before I started teaching.