Matthew Turner, a graduate from Douglasville, GA, earned his MA in Music Education this past December and recently presented at the Alabama Music Educators Association (AMEA) Conference.

When did you know that JSU was the right school for you?

During my sophomore year of high school, I came to JSU for the first time with my high school band to compete in the Contest of Champions. I spent the day around campus during warmups, marching in Burgess-Snow Field, and watching other bands compete in the competition. The campus was beautiful. We were also assisted throughout the day by members of the Marching Southerners, who all carried themselves with confidence and pride. After a long wait of anticipation, the Marching Southerners took the field for their exhibition performance. With a beautiful Jacksonville sunset to our left and the stadium lights glimmering off the Southerners uniforms, the stage was set. As the show began, the band faced backfield and the entire crowd was waiting for- what I have always heard people call – the ‘’big hit’.” Little did I know that this moment was about to change my life forever. The music was racing and you could feel the energy building up. The entire crowd yelled “BLOW SOUTHERNERS” and after the downbeat that followed a four-count turn by the world-renowned Jacksonville State University Marching Southerners, I knew that Jacksonville State University was the right school for me.

What are some benefits of your major?

I have learned many things through this major (music theory, aural skills, music history, conducting, performance, music technology), all of which has led me to be musically successful. I have also learned many things on the educational side, such as musical teaching techniques, active listening, classroom management, leadership skills, lesson plan building, and so much more. This major has taught me to be and feel prepared and confident to walk into a music classroom and help students be successful; most importantly, this major allows me to make impacts on students’ lives through the power of music.

What is your favorite thing about JSU?

My favorite thing about JSU is the professors, faculty, and staff. No matter their title, every person is willing to go above and beyond to help each student be successful. During my time at JSU, there were days of struggle where a simple smile and wave from a JSU maintenance worker on a lawn mower made my day. While overwhelmed with schoolwork, there were always people to reach out to in the library for tutoring. In the late hours of the night, it was rare that a professor was not quick to send a helpful email back. This is just a small group of the many instances of how I was helped and impacted by the faculty and staff of JSU.

What clubs/organizations were you involved in?

I was involved with the Marching Southerners, Euphonium/ Tuba Ensemble, and the Euphonium Studio.

What is one way that you have grown during your time at JSU?

JSU allowed me to grow into a man with a healthy lifestyle. Before coming to JSU, I had no idea what it meant to be successful in many areas of life. With the many things that JSU has to offer, I learned that life is about balance and that it is very important to be healthy physically, mentally, and spiritually and to carry yourself in a way that makes you most happy. I am so thankful for everything that JSU has done for me.

What is your favorite course that you have taken?

I have had so many good ones, so I will name a few! My favorite courses that I took while at JSU were Conducting with Dr. Bodiford, Aural Skills with Dr. Woodward, Class Piano with Mr. Barreto, and Big Band Foundations with Mr. Callaway.

What can you tell us about your experience with the Lesson Plan Competition and your presentation at the AMEA Conference?

With the immense help of Dr. Sarah Burns and Mr. Blair Callaway, I was blessed with the opportunity to speak and present at the Alabama Music Educators Conference in January. During the presentation, I was able to display my EDTPA portfolio and overview the lesson plans that I created and taught to my students while student teaching with Mr. Gene Inglis at Saks High School. It truly was an honor to present at AMEA while representing the Jacksonville State Music Department.

What do you plan to do after you graduate?

I plan to become a Band Director.

What is a fun fact about yourself?

A fun fact about me is that my family is heavily involved in dirt track racing, and we race competitively all over the Southeast.

What advice do you have for first-year students?

My advice for first-year students is to find your balance. It will seem intimidating to try to juggle 100 things at once but all it takes is finding your groove to be happy and successful. First, find what you love to do. I am sure that you have heard “find what you love, and you will never work a day in your life”. College is the same way. Once you find the major you love, no amount of work seems too much to handle. Next, get involved. The best way to make friends and connections is to be involved with the many organizations that JSU has to offer. Finally, do not be afraid to make mistakes. Your success at JSU is determined by what you put into it. If you go the extra mile, you will get the mile back. Give it your all and never give up.