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2012 SESSION
12100161DWHEREAS, Harold J. Haughton, Sr., the incomparable and legendary director of the Virginia State University Trojan Explosion Marching Band, has retired as Director of Bands; and
WHEREAS, Harold J. Haughton, Sr., a native of Canton, Mississippi, began his music studies in the New Orleans Public Schools; he earned the bachelor of music education degree from Jackson State University and the master of music education degree from Louisiana State University; and he pursued postgraduate studies at Duquesne University, Jackson State University, Morehead State University, Vandercook College of Music, and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater; and
WHEREAS, Harold J. Haughton, Sr., began his music education career as a high school band director and music teacher in the Alabama and Mississippi public schools systems; he taught at Jackson State University and Prairie View A&M University from 1966 to 1984; he served as assistant band director at Jackson State University from 1966 to 1969; and he served as assistant director of the marching band and director of the symphonic band at Prairie View A&M University in 1970; and
WHEREAS, Harold J. Haughton, Sr., returned to Jackson State University in 1971, where he remained for 13 years as director of the marching band; he also served as assistant director of the symphonic band and director of the concert band and the woodwind choir; and
WHEREAS, during his tenure at Jackson State University, Harold J. Haughton, Sr., initiated several changes in the marching band program, such as increasing the band’s size; he was director when the band participated in the first “Battle of the Bands” at Texas Stadium in Irving, the home of the Dallas Cowboys, and when the band made NFL halftime performances for the New Orleans Saints, Detroit Lions, Atlanta Falcons, and the Cincinnati Bengals; the halftime show for the Cincinnati Bengals was nationally televised; and
WHEREAS, in 1984, Harold J. Haughton, Sr., was named Director of Bands at Virginia State University, a position that included responsibility for leading the renowned Virginia State University Trojan Explosion Marching Band, the Concert Band, and the Pep Band, teaching various music courses, supervising student teachers, and serving as interim chair of the Department of Music for six years; and
WHEREAS, Harold J. Haughton, Sr., was twice selected CIAA Band Director of the Year, the only band director so honored; he directed the All-CIAA Band and was awarded the Bank of America Outstanding Faculty Award in 1999; and he directed the Virginia State University Concert Band in a performance at the National Association for the Study and Performance of African American Music Conference in Birmingham in 2001, before retiring as assistant professor of music in 2003; and
WHEREAS, Harold J. Haughton, Sr., is an active member of his community, serving as a member of Delta Omega Chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.; he is a faithful member of the historic Gillfield Baptist Church in Petersburg, where he is chairman of the Finance Ministry and willingly shares his great musical gift and talent as director of the Sanctuary Choir and the Men’s Chorus; and
WHEREAS, Harold J. Haughton, Sr., tremendously impacted the lives of countless individuals, nurtured and instilled fundamental principles for successful living, and helped cultivate the musical abilities of numerous students as band director at Jackson State University and Virginia State University; and
WHEREAS, Harold J. Haughton, Sr.’s love of music was evident in his commitment to honorable service to the students whom he taught and to the institutions of which he was a part; after a long and distinguished career, he is now retired from his position as Director of Bands at Virginia State University and has returned to civilian life, having passed his baton and “Big Whistle” to the next generation of band directors who have enormous shoes to fill; and
WHEREAS, Harold J. Haughton, Sr., was honored by Virginia State University on June 25, 2011, with a gala in recognition of his many contributions to music education and to Historically Black College and University band programs, and many wishes are extended to him on a well-deserved retirement; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Harold J. Haughton, Sr.; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Harold J. Haughton, Sr., in appreciation for his invaluable services and best wishes for a long and fulfilling retirement.