Since 1979, the Tennessee State University Aristocrat of Bands has been under the
capable direction of Professor Edward L. Graves. Born in Starksville, Mississippi
in 1940, Graves holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from Tennessee State
University and a masters degree in music education from the University of Illinois.
His career has spanned positions at North Carolina A&T State University as instructor
of Music, Tuskegee Institute as Director of Bands, and Shaw University as Director
of Bands and Coordinator of the Music Department.
As a result of Prof. Graves’ musicianship he is often sought as a guest conductor,
clinician and adjudicator, duties which he performs several times each year. He
has been named one of the Outstanding Educators of America, and was a past chairman
of the Tennessee College Band Directors National Association. Graves' professional
affiliates include the Music Educators National Conference, the National Band Association,
the National Association of Wind and Percussion Instructors, the Music Educators
Association, and the Tennessee Bandmasters Association. He is also a member of Phi
Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity, Phi Beta Mu National Band Honorary Society, and an
honorary member of Kappa Kappa Psi Band Fraternity.
Not only is he a leader but he is also a true living example of what it means to
be totally dedicated to the Aristocrat style. Never has the band wavered from its
original conception under his watch. Prof. Graves has made sure that the band has
always been the standard by which all other bands are measured.
Graves' oversees hundreds of band members recruited from every corner of the country.
Under Prof. Graves' headship, the Aristocrat of Bands has thrived and is nationally
known for its reputation as an exemplary college band program with quality of musicianship.
Just as Prof. is dapper, debonair, and classy, so is his band. With its graceful
and professional style, the Aristocrats are often called upon to represent the University
among potential students, alumni, corporate supporters and audiences around the
world. Under Graves' direction, the Band has traveled to Japan to perform at halftime
in the Mirage Bowl, and the Jazz Ensemble has traveled to Switzerland as part of
the Montreaux Jazz Festival and toured Nigeria. In 1993 and 1997 the Band performed
in the Inaugural Parades of President Bill Clinton. In addition the Band has been
featured during numerous television halftime shows and specials.
From speaking to Prof. Graves, there is no doubt that he enjoys nurturing all those
who march under his direction and as a result of his zeal for success his band continues
to mesmerize crowds.