Under the direction and leadership of Phillip Amos von Weller, Nathaniel C. Adderley, Herman A. Spearing, Arnold W. Lee, Sr., Captain William Carey Thomas, Leander A. Kirksey, Jr., J. Richmond Johnson, William P. Foster, Julian E. White, Sylvester Young, and Shelby R. Chipman, the band and instrumental programs, since 1892, have exhibited the highest standards of musical excellence at numerous state, national, and international events to be widely regarded as one of the best among American colleges and universities.
Dale A. Thomas received a Bachelor of Science degree in music education from Florida A&M University. He has a Master of Science degree in educational administration and leadership and a second Master of Science degree in library and information studies both from Florida State University. Mr. Thomas has served on the faculty at Florida A&M University and held positions as a band director in public schools in Oklahoma and Florida. Additionally, he has served as an educational media specialist in public schools in Florida. Mr. Thomas has written articles for the American Bandmasters Association’s Journal of Band Research and the Florida Music Director Magazine. In 1996, he compiled and edited the book, “America’s Band of Legend: A Pictorial Collection on Bands at Florida A&M University 1892-1996.” His last book, “A Band in Every School: Portraits of Historically Black School Bands in Florida” was published in July 2009.