Douglasville, GA – We recently sent out a questionnaire to inquire about the band directors from across the state.  Alfred Watkins of Lassiter High School was kind enough to respond with the following answers:

Q:  How many years have you been the Band Director at Lassiter High School? All together?

A:  This is my 30^th year of directing band; all have been at Lassiter High School.

Q: During your 30 years as director of the band, what is your best memory?

A:  I have a lot of great memories while at Lassiter.  Some of the best are participating in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade in New York City in 1999, 2004, and 2010, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses parade in 1988, 2001, and 2005, as well as winning the Bands of America Grand National Championship in 1998 and 2002.

Q:  When did you decide to become a band director?

A:  I decided to become a band director when I was a junior in high school, before that I thought that I wanted to be an attorney.

Q:  Did you play in the band while growing up? Who was your biggest musical influence?

A:  Yes, I played on the Jackson (Ga.) High School band and was influenced by my band director, the late Andrew J. Boggs.

Q:  Where did you attend college? What was your major?

A:  I attended Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, FL as a Music Education major. 

Q:  Are there any students in the band that truly stand out as a performer in the band and/or academically?

A:  Yes, last year’s senior class earned over $1 million in scholarship money for college and thee STAR student was a trombonist in the band.  The average G.P.A. in Lassiter Band is usually between a 3.5 – 3.7.

Q:  What big events, and competitions, does your band have planned for the fall season?

A:  We are scheduled to take a performance-based cruise to the Caribbean in April, with performances on the ship as well as in Grand Cayman and Jamaica.