Troy University’s John M. Long School of Music began 2026 with a series of notable achievements at professional conferences across the Southeast.

On January 15-17, Dr. Chandler Bridges, Associate Professor and Music Industry Coordinator, and Dr. Michael Mills, Assistant Professor of Choral Music Education, and graduate assistants from the Music Industry Program attended the Florida Music Educators Association Conference. There they participated in College Night and spoke with prospective students. Dr. Bridges presented a research poster titled: “Using Digital Audio Workstations to Visualize Scales and Chords in Introductory Music Theory.”

Dr. Michael Huff, Professor of Trumpet, and the Troy University Trumpet Ensemble attended the Trumpet Festival of the Southeast at Kennesaw State University on January 16-17. The event was an opportunity for students to perform, work with guest artists, and gain valuable professional experience.

The Alabama Music Educator Association (AMEA), which was hosted in Birmingham from January 22-24, showcased several TROY students, faculty and alums. Dr. Scott Sexton, Assistant Director of the School of Music and Assistant Professor of Music Education, served as a featured clinician at AMEA and presented three workshops and conducted fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students during the Elementary All-State Choir concert.

Undergraduate students Julian Wallace and Clinton Tran and graduate student Michael Olson were named finalists in the AMEA Young Composers Competition. 

Dr. Jason Sulliman, Associate Professor of Trombone, directed the Troy University Trombone Choir and gave a performance. 

Rachel Harbin, a 2024 TROY graduate, received the 2026 Edward H. Cleino Outstanding Young Music Educator Award. The award was presented by past AMEA President, Dr. Robert Lyda, and current President Dr. Phil Wilson, who are also TROY alums.

During AMEA, Lecturer in Music Robert Clayson performed a marimba solo in the Enterprise High School Wind Ensemble concert, which was directed by Sean Weiler, a 2006 and 2008 TROY graduate.

Other accomplishments include alum and former music education professor, Susan Smith, who was recognized as a Featured Alabama Music Educator and presented a lecture titled: “Connecting Dots: Preparing for the Next Phase.” Justin Compton, a 2011 TROY alum, directed a performance with his band the Dauphin Junior High School Symphonic Band.

According to Dr. Hui-Ting Yang, Director of the School of Music, the success of TROY’s music education program at these conferences underscores the University’s long-standing commitment to the field.

“Music Education is at the heart of Troy University,” she said. “Our faculty have been doing outstanding work cultivating future music educators, and it’s inspiring to witness the accomplishments of our alumni as they carry forward our mission and pass their knowledge on to the next generation.”