Dr. Kenneth G. Bodiford, from Odenville, is the JSU Director of Bands. He received his B.S.in Music Education from JSU before earning his Master in Music Education and Conducting at East Carolina University and completing his DMA in Instrumental Conducting from the University of Alabama.

Bodiford has been part of JSU’s Music Department for 28 years; this semester he is teaching Instrumental Conducting, Chamber Winds, Conducting Applied, and Graduate Conducting while also directing the Marching Southerners. He does not have a favorite class to teach, as he genuinely enjoys them all and likes to be able to interact with his students on a daily basis. If he had to give advice to his students, it would be to “choose your friends carefully. The people you associate with daily will have a huge impact on your life, both positively and negatively.” Bodiford’s favorite thing about the Music Department is its band program. Currently, he is in the process of developing a Marching Honor Band Clinic for high school students.

As someone who was once the Director of the Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps and the US Army All American Marching Band – in addition to several other honor bands in the United States – Bodiford is well-versed in directing. Due to his expertise, it is only appropriate that he has been asked to serve as the Coordinator of Auxiliary Instrumentalists for the 2022 World Games. According to Bodiford, he will “assist the designers of the opening and closing ceremonies by providing insight on instrument groups that are necessary to achieve the desired outcome of the music portion and special effects of the opening and closing ceremonies.”

In his spare time, Bodiford works as an adjudicator for concert and marching band festivals. He also enjoys traveling, particularly on the beaches, and taking cruises.