HANCEVILLE, Ala. – On Friday, April 17, Wallace State Community College marked a special milestone as the annual Big Band Dance brought together current musicians and alumni from many years of the college’s jazz program.
Led by Ricky Burks, the event celebrated the band’s 50-year history, which started with its first director, Robert Bean. Alumni from different years came back to perform and quickly formed a strong group, even though many had never played together before.
“It was great to see folks from across a wide span of years,” Burks said. “I hadn’t seen some of these musicians since they graduated and moved out of state.”
Burks mentioned that although one of the earliest members from 1976 could not make it, the reunion still showed how far the program’s influence has spread. “This program has stood strong for the last 50 years. I’m looking forward to seeing all the good things that are going to be happening in the group for the next 50.”
