Troy University alumnus Dr. Gene Butler has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to music education in Alabama, earning multiple prestigious honors while advocating for the next generation of educators.
Dr. Butler has been named the President-Elect of the Alabama Bandmasters Association and honored as part of Yamaha’s “40 Under 40” music education advocacy program. He was also named Lee County Schools Secondary Teacher of the Year for 2024-2025.
Dr. Butler is a two-time TROY graduate earning a Bachelor of Music Education (2010) and a Master of Science in Instrumental Music Education Education (2012). Dr. Butler received his Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Columbus State University (2024). He is also a former member and drum major for the Sound of the South marching band and principal tuba in the Troy University Symphony Band. He is currently the Director of Bands at his alma mater, Smiths Station High School in Lee County.
For his role with the Alabama Bandmasters Association, Dr. Butler says his goal is to promote band and music throughout the state.
“Many rural areas in our state are facing challenges due to teacher vacancies,” he said. “It’s crucial that we advocate for more students to pursue careers in education to help fill these gaps. Every student deserves access to a high-quality education, including music education.”
Dr. Butler also hopes to remind educators of the opportunity they have to recruit high-quality students into the teaching profession.
“We must advocate for the value and rewards of becoming an educator, share the benefits of the profession with students, and encourage them to pursue education with enthusiasm and commitment,” he said. “I have made a conscious effort to engage more deeply with students who have shown an interest in education, as well as those who have the potential to become exceptional teachers. The future of the teaching profession is being shaped by educators in schools across the country, and it is essential that we play an active role in guiding and inspiring the next generation of teachers.”
Dr. Butler believes music education is vital for students today because it fosters personal growth and overall development.
“Music education helps with cognitive development, emotional expression, creativity, discipline, time management, social skills, stress relief and provides a place to ‘belong.’ Music education is more than just playing an instrument or singing. It shapes well-rounded individuals and helps them excel academically, socially, and emotionally.”
Yamaha’s “40 under 40” music education advocacy program launched in 2021 to celebrate and recognize music educators who are making a difference in their programs. Dr. Butler says that he is truly honored to have been nominated by those who have been his mentors.
“The success I’ve experienced as a band director is a result of the incredible students I’ve had the privilege to teach, the amazing staff I’ve worked alongside, the guidance from mentors who have invested in me, and the unwavering support of my wife and family,” he said.
Dr. Butler chose to attend TROY after participating in band events on campus.
“During high school, I lived closer to a different university and had planned for many years to attend it,” he said. “However, during my junior and senior years, I participated in several band events hosted by the John M. Long School of Music. These experiences made me feel welcome and at home, ultimately guiding me to choose Troy University.”
His inspiration to pursue music education came from his high school band director and fellow TROY alumnus, Dr. Rusty Courson.
“During my high school years, he served as a mentor and was always someone I could turn to for advice,” he said. “He gave me the opportunity to lead the band throughout the school year, providing me with invaluable experiences. The impact he had on me, both musically and personally, is the same kind of influence I aspire to have on my own students.”
Troy University had a profound impact on Dr. Butler as a music educator.
“During my time there, I had the privilege of learning from Dr. Mark Walker, Dr. Larry Blocher, Dr. Carla Gallahan, Mr. Ralph Ford, Mr. Robert W. Smith, Dr. Hui-Ting Yang, Dr. Diane Orlofsky, and many others,” he said. “The relationships I built with these professors continue to thrive today.”
Dr. Butler began his career as a music educator at Trinity Presbyterian School in Montgomery. Dr. Kerry Palmer, TROY’s Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, previously served as the supervising principal and head of school at Trinity while Butler taught there.
“I spent countless invaluable hours with Dr. Palmer as a young music educator. After Trinity, I moved to Smiths Station High School, and over the years, I have been fortunate to have my university professors, including Dr. Mark Walker and Dr. Larry Blocher, work with our bands.”
For future and young music educators who are just starting their careers, Dr. Butler gave the following advice:
- Relationships are the most important
- Be the best advocate for your students and program
- Organizational skills are vital
- Student leadership matters all year
- Prioritize your personal time outside of school hours
When asked what piece of advice he would give to himself as a young music educator Dr. Butler said to not be afraid to make mistakes.
“The worst decision is to make no decision at all. Take the leap, and learn from every choice you make, whether it turns out well or not.”
Dr. Butler and his wife Karen, a fellow TROY alum, reside in Smiths Station, AL with their children Julie, Rebecca and James.
