Bluefield, WV – Khiry Sidbury has been appointed as the new Band Director for the Bluefield State University band starting Fall 2024. Khiry brings a wealth of experience from his nine years of directing musical performances and managing performers at various educational levels.
Before his appointment at Bluefield State, Khiry was the Brass Clinician at North Carolina Central University and Director of Bands at Rocky River High School. His leadership there not only shaped their musical performances but also created memorable experiences for audiences and musicians alike. Khiry's educational background is solid, with a Bachelor of Arts in instrumental music education from Winston-Salem State University and a Master of Education in music education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. During his time at WSSU, he was an active member of the "Red Sea of Sound" marching band.
Khiry's involvement in music extends to his participation in Greek life, being a 2012 initiate of the Kappa Lambda Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, Inc., and a Spring 2015 initiate of the Mu Epsilon Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
"We are thrilled to bring back the band to Bluefield State," said Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics, Derrick Price. "Khiry has the expertise and knowledge to recruit and establish a band that will rival all others in the CIAA."
Khiry is equally excited about his new role, stating, "I am excited to be a part of the Big Blue family and about building the band program here at Bluefield State." His plans include focusing on establishing the program, expanding its reach, instating a music major, and ensuring a comprehensive musical education for all students.
Historical Context and Bluefield State's Musical Legacy
The appointment of Khiry Sidbury as band director is a continuation of Bluefield State University's rich musical heritage. Founded in 1895, Bluefield State was originally the Bluefield Colored Institute and has long been a cultural epicenter for African American culture in the early 20th century. This institution not only educated future leaders like Maceo Pinkard but also hosted luminaries such as Langston Hughes, Fats Waller, and Duke Ellington.
Maceo Pinkard, a Bluefield native, played a significant role in the development of jazz and the music industry at large. His interactions with Duke Ellington helped to shape the trajectory of jazz music and opened doors for many aspiring musicians. The legacy of Pinkard and others underscores the pivotal role that music and Bluefield State have played in defining Mercer County's identity.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Bluefield emerged as a noteworthy stop on the Chitlin Circuit, hosting performances by legends such as James Brown, Little Richard, Etta James, and Sam Cooke at the Bluefield Auditorium. These events contributed significantly to the musical landscape of the region, resonating with the vibrant rhythms and soulful melodies that continue to influence generations.
As Khiry Sidbury takes the helm of the Big Blue Band, he steps into a role steeped in historical significance, with a legacy of musical excellence that he is poised to build upon. His vision for the music program at Bluefield State University aims to honor this rich history while forging new paths for the musical arts within the community.
