Course Description: Our generation invented/created Rock-n-Roll. OUR music literally changed the world. From the innocents of the early 50's to the cultural upheaval in the late 60's and early 70's, it was OUR music that told the story of our lives, made people think, accompanied our good times and the bad. It was, and IS, Rock-n-Roll that has impacted every aspect of our lives today. We will explore the music, the times, the events, the people, and the artists who were...who are...the soundtrack of our lives. *Campus is closed Monday, July 24th in celebration of Pioneer Day- no classes will be held.

Course Instructor: Dr. James M. Bankhead became the Music Department Head at Utah State University July 1, 2011. He held this position until June, 2015 when he retired. He was Director, School of Music at Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas from 2006-2011. He was an active leader in several statewide music projects and instrumental in the contstruction of the new Gaetner Performance Arts Center on that campus. Dr. Bankhead received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC; the Master of Arts degree is from Central Michigan University; and, the Bachelor of Music degree from Utah State University. Before going to Sam Houston State in 2006, he was the Chair, Music Department at California State University, Chico 1994-2006. In addition to his administrative leadership, he was director of bands, master’s degree advisor and conductor of the Opera Workshop orchestra. He was principal guest conductor of the Shasta Symphony Orchestra in Redding, CA. He is a frequent guest conductor, clinician and music specialist at music events throughout the country including All-State Bands. Prior to his appointment at CSU, Chico, Dr. Bankhead was Executive Director of the Green Bay Symphony Orchestra and Producer at the Weidner Center for the Performing Arts. He produced shows, concerts and festivals involving artists ranging from Bill Cosby to the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Dr. Bankhead completed 22 years of military service in the Air Force retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He served as Commander/Conductor of the United States Air Force Band in Washington 1985-1991 and Deputy Commander/Assistant Conductor of that organization from 1976-1985. Prior to that he was Chief of Bands and Music for the Air Force stationed at the Pentagon. He has conducted in all 50 states and 18 foreign countries.
jmbankhead1947@gmail.com