Lincoln University's Marching Musical Storm is under new leadership.
Eugene Diggs II, a composer with 14 years of teaching experience along the east coast, was hired as director of bands, the university announced Thursday. In the role, he'll manage development and direction of the historically Black university's band programs, including the official university band, symphonic band, pep band and jazz ensemble.
Diggs plans to restore the university's music education degree, according to a university news release, as well as bolster student engagement, membership and retention in band programs and "place musicianship at the helm of the program."
"Our selection committee did an outstanding job identifying a composer of culture who will meet our students where they are and help them attain their personal, musical and professional aspirations," said Kevin Wilson, Lincoln's vice president of advancement, athletics and campus recreation.
"Mr. Diggs's reputation as a recruiter, composer, and family man is impeccable," he continued. "He truly believes in the Marching Musical Storm brand and will pour his all into making sure it is a program (that) can be a point of pride for current band members, the entire LU community, Jefferson City and Missouri."
Diggs joined Lincoln from Morgan State University, his alma mater where he was assistant director of bands. While there, he conducted and arranged music, was the principal drill writer and served as a recruitment planner.
He has previously taught in Maryland, North Carolina and Washington, D.C. Diggs and his bands have won seven grand championships in one marching season, received superior ratings in regional band festivals and have been invited to perform at Carnegie Hall.
"By creating a band environment that supports the academic mission of the institution, Diggs will facilitate a program with a culture of excellence that embraces the historical aspects of an HBCU band," the university's news release stated.
Diggs has a master's degree in teaching leadership, curriculum and instruction from Gardner Webb University and a bachelor's degree in music from Morgan State University, where he was a drum major for four years.
He is pursuing a doctorate of musical arts in music education from Boston University, where his dissertation is focused on the preparation of music educators from HBCUs.