On April 2nd and 3rd, The JSU Chamber Winds, conducted by Dr. Ken Bodiford, Director of Bands, and the JSU Jazz Band I, conducted by Dr. Andy Nevala, travelled to southern Alabama to perform.  These ensembles gave a clinic-concert at Daphne High School and, later, performed at the Daphne Performing Arts Center.  Those who attended included students, faculty, and administration from local high schools, including Baldwin County High, Daphne High, Fairhope High, and Foley High.  This recruitment tour was successful.

Bodiford reported that his students were excellent representatives of JSU, and that their music was very well-received by their audience. Not only did everyone enjoy the concert, but according to Bodiford, about fifteen high school sophomores and juniors confirmed their plans to attend JSU after the performance.

One of the most exciting parts of the tour was that Harper Rumph, the top high school bassoon player in the state of Alabama, was presented with JSU’s highest freshman band scholarship.

“I have been trying to recruit this student for a while,” said Bodiford. “She auditioned at JSU for a band scholarship, and of course, it was unanimous from the directors to offer her a scholarship. However, she was still on the fence between JSU and another university that is much closer to home for her.”

Director of JSU Undergraduate Admissions Lauren Findley made a certificate to be awarded to Harper during the tour. Just before the Chamber Winds played their final song, Bodiford called Harper and her parents to the stage. He announced JSU’s selection of Harper as a recipient of this prestigious band scholarship.

“Harper and her parents were in tears as the audience erupted in cheers and applause,” Bodiford happily shared. “After the concert, her family came up to me, hugged my neck, and said, ‘We will see you this summer at JSU Freshman Orientation!’”

Bodiford and his colleagues are very excited to welcome Harper in the fall. She and her fellow incoming freshmen will add their talents to the already high-achieving music department at JSU.