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Mrs. Kayala Cunningham
Administrative Assistant
Location: Armstrong Hall Room 133
Email: KAYLAM.CUNNINGHAM@hamptonu.edu
Dr. Eric Wade Reiff
Please scan the QR codes for audition information and requirements.
Mr. Jerry Alexander Bracey
Assistant Professor/Jazz Ensemble & Chamber Orchestra Director
Location: Armstrong Hall, 141A
Phone: 757-728-6604
Email: jerry.bracey@hamptonu.edu
Expertise: Conductor, Educator, Musician and Mentor
Mr. Clifford Cox II.
Assistant Professor
Location: Convocation Center, Concourse C Upper Level
Phone: 757-728-6875
Email: clifford.cox@hamptonu.edu
Expertise: Instrumental Music with an emphasis on Brass
Dr. Steven Cunningham
Mr. Omar Dickenson
Director of University Choirs, Assistant Professor
Location: Clarke Hall, 6
Phone: 757-727-5603
Email: omar.dickenson@hamptonu.edu
Expertise: Choir, Conducting, Sacred Music, Keyboard Accompaniment
Mr. Benjamin Francis Garner
University Organist and Instructor of Piano and Organ
Location: Armstrong Hall, 265
Phone: 757-727-5702
Email: benjamin.garner@hamptonu.edu
Expertise: Piano, Organ, Recording Technology, Accompanying, Collaboration
Read Bio >
Mr. Alexander Hamilton II.
Assistant Director of Bands / Percussion Instructor
Location: Convocation Center, Percussion Studio
Phone: 757-728-6869
Email: alexander.hamilton@hamptonu.edu
Expertise: Music, Percussion
Dr. Tiffany Renée Jackson
Dr. Thomas Jones
Dr. Harvey J. Stokes
Professor of Music
Location: Armstrong Hall, Computer Music Laboratory/267
Phone: 757-727-5410
Email: harvey.stokes@hamptonu.edu
Mr. Robert Wright
Assistant Professor
Location: Armstrong Hall, 151
Phone: 757-727-5658
Email: robert.wright@hamptonu.edu
Expertise: Music; Audio Engineering
Dr. Sukyung Yang
Assistant Professor of Music, Department of Music and Performing Arts
Email: SUKYUNG.YANG@hamptonu.edu
Dr. Robin J. Boisseau
Assistant Professor
Email: robin.boisseau@hamptonu.edu
Dr. Robin J. Boisseau returns to Hampton University after several years of hiatus. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park with a Ph.D. in Theatre History, Theory, and Criticism. She also recieved a Master of Fine Arts in Directing from Memphis State University and a Master of Arts in English from Virginia Commonwealth University. She lives in Gloucester County with her family, including a dog, a cat, and a bunny.
Dr. Iris Goode-Middleton
Assistant Professor of Theatre
Location: Armstrong-Slater, 203-G
Phone: 757-637-2343
Email: iris.middleton@hamptonu.edu
Expertise: Theatre, Choreography, Communication, Social Media
Dr. Curtis Perry Otto
Assistant Professor
Location: Armstrong Hall, 102
Phone: 757-728-4834
Email: curtis.otto@hamptonu.edu
Expertise: Technical Theatre, Scenic and Lighting Design, Rhetoric, Communication Studies
Dr. Karen Ward
Location: Armstrong Hall, 144
Phone: 757-727-5402
Email: karen.ward@hamptonu.edu
Expertise: Theatre, Criticism, Public Address, Directing, Scriptwriting, Songwriter, producer, events coordinator
Mr. Kwabena A. Ampofo-Anti
Professor
Location: Bemis Lab, 111
Email: kwabena.ampofo-anti@hamptonu.edu
Expertise: Ceramics, Painting, Drawing, Art Appreciation, Humanities
Dr. Jacqueline M. Bontemps
Associate Professor
Location: Armstrong-Slater, 203B
Phone: 757-727-5821
Email: jacqueline.bontemps@hamptonu.edu
Expertise: Research, Visual Arts, and Graphic Design
Read Bio >
Mrs. Polly Bynum
Mr. James Fincher
Assistant Professor in the Department of Music and Performing Arts.
Email: JAMES.FINCHER@hamptonu.edu
“Mr. Fincher A native of Norfolk, Virginia, earned a M.A. in Media and Communication (Public Relations), from Norfolk State University; and a B.S. in Mass Communication (Broadcast Journalism) from Norfolk State University. Mr. Fincher is excited to be teaching Oral communications and Humanities.”
Dr. Colin Kearney
Assistant Professor of Communication
Email: COLIN.KEARNEY@hamptonu.edu
A native of Virginia, Dr. Colin Kearney received his Ph.D. in Mass Communications from the University of Florida. His research areas of interest include media history, sports communication, political communication, and instructional communication. A strong believer in liberal arts-oriented education, he previously taught at Bellarmine University, the University of Dayton, and Christopher Newport University teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels. At Hampton, he teaches Oral Communication and Humanities courses.
In his free time, Dr. Kearney enjoys attending live events including sports, concerts, and performances.
Music and Performing Arts
Faculty & Staff
Administrative Staff
Dr. Demarr Woods
Department Chair
Location: Armstrong Hall, 137
Phone: 757-728-6508
Email: demarr.woods@hamptonu.edu
Expertise: Music Performance - Trumpet
Dr. Demarr Woods is Chairperson of Music and Performing Arts at Hampton University located in Hampton, Virginia.
He received his Bachelor of Music degree from Southeastern Louisiana University, Master of Music from Howard University, the Performer’s Diploma from the Peabody Conservatory of The Johns Hopkins University, and Doctor of Arts in Music Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Northern Colorado.
Dr. Woods is a Sphinx LEAD (Leaders in Excellence, Arts, and Diversity) fellow. Sphinx LEAD is a two-year fellowship designed to evolve the industry landscape by empowering the next generation of executive leaders of Color. This is achieved through participation in executive leadership retreats, mentorship, and networking at top institutions at the national level.
Dr. Woods has been recognized as one of the nation’s foremost music educators. He has received several teaching awards including the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Chancellor’s Distinguished Teaching Award and the Peabody Preparatory of The Johns Hopkins University’s Diversity in Teaching Award.
Dr. Woods has held teaching positions at the University of Northern Colorado, Coppin State University, the Levine School of Music, and the Peabody Preparatory of Music. Dr. Woods has enjoyed performing and teaching throughout the U.S., Japan, China, and Thailand.
Dr. Woods is very committed to community engagement. Dr. Woods is currently a member of Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s Music Advisory Council, has previously served as a board member with the Natural State Brass Band in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Dr. Woods has performed as principal trumpet with the Sphinx Symphony Orchestra. The Sphinx Symphony Orchestra is based in Detroit MI and is a premiere organization that is strongly dedicated to diversity in the arts and is completely comprised of members who are of African American and Latinx descent. This ensemble includes performers with full-time positions in the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Detroit, Seattle, and Phoenix Symphonies, and university professorships.
Dr. Woods is currently a member of the Virginia Wind Symphony. The Virginia Wind Symphony is an ensemble made up of professional musicians, military musicians, public and private school teachers, and independent music instructors. The group was created to provide a musical outlet for musicians throughout the Hampton Roads Area and is dedicated to playing the finest original and transcribed wind literature available.
Dr. Woods has shared the stage with a wide variety of artists including, Doug Yeo, The Coaster’s, The Drifter’s, Wallace Roney, K.D. Lang, John Legend, Fred Wesley, Bill Pierce, and several others.
Dr. Woods’ primary teachers include, Dr. Bryan DePoy, Prof. Fred Irby III, Prof. Josef Burgstaller, Prof. Edward Hoffman, and Dr. John Adler.
Dr. Woods holds membership with the International Trumpet Guild, North American Brass Band Association, and the Historically Black Colleges and Universities National Consortium.
Ms. Raven Toliver
Administrative Assistant
Location: 112 Phenix Hall
Email: RAVEN.TOLIVER@hamptonu.edu
Administrative Assistant Location: 112 Phenix Hall
Email: RAVEN.TOLIVER@hamptonu.edu
Dr. Eric Wade Reiff
Music Librarian
Location: Armstrong Hall Music Library
Email: ERIC.REIFF@HAMPTONU.EDU
Music Librarian
Dr. Eric Wade Reiff, Music Librarian at Hampton University, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Brandeis University, a Master of Fine Arts degree in Choral Conducting from the University of California, Irvine, and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting (Orchestral) from the University of South Carolina where he studied under Dr. Donald Portnoy. He has worked with many orchestras in the United States and other countries including Austria, Brazil, China, Israel, and Russia. In 1999 and 2000 he received the Helen F. Wittaker Fellowship to participate in the Conductors Guild New Orchestra of Boston Conducting workshop. In October 2000 he was invited to India to conduct the Calcutta Foundation Orchestra. In 1995 he was an active student in the Dirigentenkurs at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria. His principal conducting teachers have included Manuel Alvarez, Hans Beer, David Epstein, Daniel Lewis, and Donald Portnoy. He has also worked with Eleazer de Carvalho, Ferdinand Leitner, Samuel Jones, Kirk Muspratt, Gunther Schuller, and Paul Vermel.
In 1994 he made his New York conducting debut with the New York Debut & Premiere Orchestra, in Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall, conducting a concert celebrating Israel’s 46th Anniversary. During two and a half years in Israel he had conducted the Jerusalem New Music Ensemble, and worked with orchestras in Haifa and Beer Sheva, and with a choral group in Beer Sheva. In August 1998 he conducted the National Opera and Ballet Orchestra of China in a recording of Mozart’s Symphony #29 and J.A.C. Redford’s “The Growing Season”. While living in Israel, he had been “Artist-in-Residence”, in the Arad Arts Project and was appointed its Musical Advisor. He also served as Artistic Director of the Israeli-American Music Consortium.
Dr. Reiff joined the YRSO as a violinist. He became conductor in November 2008 and in recent years shared the podium with Clint Correll for most concerts, and with Reginald Fox for the holiday concerts. He is a member of the Hampton University Department of Music and is currently its Music Librarian.
Music Faculty
Mr. Jerry Alexander Bracey
Assistant Professor/Jazz Ensemble & Chamber Orchestra Director
Location: Armstrong Hall, 141A
Phone: 757-728-6604
Email: jerry.bracey@hamptonu.edu
Expertise: Conductor, Educator, Musician and Mentor
Assistant Professor/Jazz Ensemble & Chamber Orchestra Director
Professor Jerry A. Bracey MA, MM Ed. continues to impress audiences with his interpretation of the standard orchestra and band repertoire, his exceptional affinity for 20th Century music and his command of a broad jazz repertoire. Maestro Bracey’s extensive commitment to the organizations with which he has been affiliated has garnered him a reputation as an orchestra and band builder. Bracey joined the faculty at Hampton University as Assistant Professor of Music and Assistant Director of Bands in the fall of 1996. In 1998, he was appointed Director of the Jazz Ensemble and Conductor of the University Orchestra. Additionally, he is the founder of Hampton University Chamber Orchestra student- based ensemble. Since his appointment marked the first time that one artist held both musical posts at Hampton University. He serves as Coordinator of the Hampton University Music Enrichment Program for Youth (HUM), Instrumental Area Coordinator and Coordinator for the Annual Week of Jazz, Acknowledged for Excellence as a Distinguished Educator in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers and Sutton Who’s Who in Academia. He is in demand as guest conductor, clinician and adjudicator.
Prior to his arrival at Hampton University, he served as Director of Bands in Tensas Parish Public Schools, Jackson Public School District and Dougherty County School System. Under his guidance and experience, the Jazz Ensemble, Symphonic, Concert and Marching Bands received numerous awards, and superior ratings on the local, state and national level. He also served as the Conductor of the Dougherty Country Youth Symphony Orchestra of Albany, GA.
An important aspect of Bracey’s career has been his close connection to student musicians. He holds degrees from Jackson State University, Northeast Louisiana University, and further studies at the Nice Academic Internationale D’ete in Nice, France. While abroad in Europe, he studied conducting with Pierre Dervaux, Ferdinand Quaptocchi; and viola with Christos Michalakakos. During his studies at Northeast Louisiana University, he studied with Joseph Cleveland, a student of William Primrose.
Bracey is a member of Kappa Kappa Psi honorary Band Fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America, Music Education National Conference (MENC), American String Teachers Association with National School Orchestra Association (ASTA) and (NSOA), International Conductor Guild, National Band Association and the College Orchestra Director Association.
He was the first African American to become a member of the Jackson Symphony Orchestra. Bracey’s performance credits include appointments with the Mississippi Symphony, Monroe Symphony Orchestra, Greenville Symphony, South Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, Ruston Civic Orchestra and the Opera/South Orchestra.
Conducting highlights include productions of Handel’s Messiah and Antonio Vivaldi Magnificent in G minor, Bracey also severed as Musical Director for Hampton University Little Theatre productions of The Broadway show’s GREASE, Smokey Joe’s Café and DREAMGIRLS.
Mr. Clifford Cox II.
Assistant Professor
Location: Convocation Center, Concourse C Upper Level
Phone: 757-728-6875
Email: clifford.cox@hamptonu.edu
Expertise: Instrumental Music with an emphasis on Brass
Assistant Professor Location: Convocation Center, Concourse C Upper Level Phone: 757-728-6875 Email: clifford.cox@hamptonu.edu Expertise: Instrumental Music with an emphasis on Brass
Dr. Steven Cunningham
Assistant Professor of Music Education
Email: STEVEN.CUNNINGHAM@hamptonu.edu
Assistant Professor of Music Education
A gifted composer/arranger as well as a formidable trumpeter and improviser, Steven has had the opportunity to perform with the Brass Band at Battle Creek, Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass, Josh Groban, El DeBarge, No BS! Brass Band, Lagniappe Brass Quartet, Jah Works, Maestro J, Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra, Lancaster Symphony Orchestra, Black Masala, The KG Experience, Brass of the Potomac, Joye B. Moore, The Peacherine Ragtime Orchestra, The Flavor Project, and Brunswick. He has performed in high-profile venues such as Carnegie Hall, DAR Constitution Hall, The Kennedy Center, Washington National Cathedral, Toronto Jazz Festival, The Tower Theater, The National Orchestral Institute, Musikfest, New York Gypsy Festival, International Trumpet Guild Conference, National Trumpet Competition, American Bandmasters Association Convention, and The Richmond Jazz Festival.
Steven received his Bachelor of Music degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2011, studying with Prof. Rex Richardson. He merited his Master of Music degree in 2014 and his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in 2017 from the University of Maryland, College Park, studying with Prof. Chris Gekker. Steven has served on the faculties at Grambling State University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Dinwiddie High School. He was recently appointed Assistant Professor of Music Education at Hampton University, where he will teach a wide variety of courses, including applied trumpet.
Mr. Omar Dickenson
Director of University Choirs, Assistant Professor
Location: Clarke Hall, 6
Phone: 757-727-5603
Email: omar.dickenson@hamptonu.edu
Expertise: Choir, Conducting, Sacred Music, Keyboard Accompaniment
Director of University Choirs, Assistant Professor
Location: Clarke Hall, 6
Phone: 757-727-5603
Email: omar.dickenson@hamptonu.edu
Expertise: Choir, Conducting, Sacred Music, Keyboard Accompaniment
Mr. Benjamin Francis Garner
University Organist and Instructor of Piano and Organ
Location: Armstrong Hall, 265
Phone: 757-727-5702
Email: benjamin.garner@hamptonu.edu
Expertise: Piano, Organ, Recording Technology, Accompanying, Collaboration
University Organist and Instructor of Piano and Organ
Benjamin Garner was born in Newport News, Virginia where he began piano lessons at age five. He continued lessons privately until he enrolled at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) where he studied music performance from 2001-2007. During his time at VCU he gave performances in groups ranging from classical trios, string quartets, orchestras, and vocal choirs to experimental music and fusion bands. Benjamin took a break from his studies and toured the east coast with a rock/jazz fusion band from 2004 to 2007. He then returned to VCU in 2007 to finish his Bachelor of Music (B.M.) degree with a concentration in performance.
From there, Benjamin continued his studies in Winston-Salem, NC while attending University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Aided by an assistant-ship in recording, Benjamin completed his Master of Music (M.M.) degree in Music Performance with a concentration in Piano Performance in 2010. While in Winston-Salem, Benjamin performed solo and in ensembles spanning Music, Dance, Theater, and Film.
The Lincoln Center Institute, Kenan Teaching Fellowship followed completion of his Master’s Degree, and launched Benjamin into New York City to work alongside extraordinary teachers and performers. Benjamin quickly developed connections at numerous schools and taught music composition and instrument skills on Piano, Voice, Violin, Viola, Cello, Mandolin, Guitar, Percussion and more.
A technology enthusiast as well, Benjamin repairs and restores vintage electronic instruments and computers. He has experience recording live sound in many enviroments. He has studied sound mixing and producing as well as worked regularly in a jointly owned recording studio. Benjamin has since continued his fascination with recording technologies by starting and maintaining his own recording business, BG Mobile Recording. Benjamin has recorded sound for Television (PBS), ADR, Audition DVDs, full band albums, solo artist albums, and singles. Benjamin has also worked as Sound Designer for a variety of shows and venues in New York, North Carolina, and Virginia.
In addition to playing the piano and organ, Benjamin sings, plays many string instruments, percussion, teaches music privately, composes and arranges music and designs sound for various ensembles and configurations. Benjamin has served as substitute director, as well as organist and pianist in numerous churches in Virginia, North Carolina, and New York for the last 18 years. Recently, Benjamin performed on synthesizer accompanying the JSMT Dance Project at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Currently, Benjamin is University Organist and Instructor of Piano and Organ at Hampton University. He is an active member and substitute for the Tidewater Chapter of the American Guild of Organists (AGO).
Mr. Alexander Hamilton II.
Assistant Director of Bands / Percussion Instructor
Location: Convocation Center, Percussion Studio
Phone: 757-728-6869
Email: alexander.hamilton@hamptonu.edu
Expertise: Music, Percussion
Assistant Director of Bands / Percussion Instructor
Mr. Alexander T. Hamilton, II is a goal-oriented man with an aptitude for teaching, music, technology, photography, and videography. He is a graduate of Virginia State University (VSU) with a Bachelor of Music Degree and a graduate of the University of Louisville (UoL) with a Master of Music Education degree. Mr. Hamilton has been a part of several performing ensembles that have performed across the country and world. Currently, Mr. Hamilton is a faculty member of the Hampton University family as an Assistant Director of Bands in the department of Music and Performing Arts where he is responsible for instruction with music pedagogy courses, applied lessons, marching, concert, and percussion ensembles.
Dr. Tiffany Renée Jackson
Assistant Professor of Music (Voice)
Email: TIFFANY.JACKSON@hamptonu.edu
Assistant Professor of Music (Voice)
New Haven, CT native, Dr. Tiffany Renée Jackson, is a groundbreaking multidisciplinary artist. She has excelled in the classical and jazz aesthetics as a singer, scholar, and vocal pedagogue. She earned a Bachelor of Music from the University of Michigan, a Master of Music and Artist Diploma from Yale School of Music, a Professional Studies Degree from the Manhattan School of Music, and a Doctor of Musical Arts Degree from the University of Connecticut.
Dr. Tiffany Renee Jackson has an extensive lauded singing career that spans both the classical and jazz genres. Following an apprenticeship with the Houston Grand Opera Studio, the Metropolitan Opera awarded her a study grand, which led to international performances in Norway, Slovenia, Germany, Poland, Lithuania, and many others. She has been a featured soloist with numerous Symphony Orchestras including National Philharmonic Orchestra, Gotham City Orchestra, New Haven Symphony Orchestra, Greater Bridgeport Symphony, and the Akron Symphony. Dr. Jackson has performed in premier festivals such as Tanglewood, Ravinia and the Aspen Festival. In 2005, she made a Carnegie Hall debut as the soprano soloist in Haydn’s Paukenmesse.
Dr. Jackson’s most recent performances include a Christmas concert with the New Haven Symphony Orchestra and a performance of her one woman show, “Rising of the Necessary Diva” at the Bardo Arts Center in Cullowhee, NC. In the jazz arena, Dr. Jackson is known for her interpretations of the music of Billy Strayhorn and Duke Ellington. She has appeared at the Blue Note (NYC) and Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola, at Jazz Lincoln Center. She can be heard on recordings with Emmy Award winning pianist, composer and educator, Dr. Rex Cadwallader, A Balm in Gilead, and Sweet Perfume in an Alabaster Jar.
In addition to her singing credits, Dr. Jackson is a fitness competitor and sports nutrition specialist. She brought all her talents to the world in 2011 when she appeared on “America’s Got Talent” as the “Necessarydiva”, the opera singing bodybuilder. She appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show in 2003, which highlighted her trip to South Africa with Harpo Productions.
After two successful years as Assistant Professor of Music at Western Carolina University, this fall Dr. Jackson joined the faculty at Hampton University, one of the nation’s most prestigious HBCU’s. For information regarding Dr. Jackson’s upcoming performances and appearances, visit www.necessarydiva.net.
Dr. Thomas Jones
Director of Bands
Email: THOMAS.JONES@HAMPTONU.EDU
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Director of Bands
Dr. Jones is from Brooklyn, New York and is a graduate of Hampton University, where he was a member of the Trombone section (Slide-Force), the Trumpet section (Brass-D), and also served as Drum Major (T.W.E.E.T. T.W.E.E.T.). He also received the Bachelor of Music degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Pennsylvania State University, Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University, Specialist in Education degree in Educational Leadership from Liberty University, and Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership Studies from North Carolina A&T State University. Dr. Jones previously served as the music arranger and drill writer for the Brooklyn “Steppers” Marching Band, as well as the Chief Music Arranger, drill writer, Media Team Coordinator, and Music Instructor for the NC A&T “Blue & Gold Marching Machine.” Dr. Jones is a Charter member of the Pi Beta chapter of Phi Mu Alpha, Sinfonia Fraternity of America, Inc., and an alumnus of the Gamma Epsilon chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. In addition to his musical duties, Dr. Jones is also a member of the United States Army Reserve, having served as a Psychological Operations Team Sergeant and currently serving as a Drill Sergeant.
Dr. Harvey J. Stokes
Professor of Music
Location: Armstrong Hall, Computer Music
Laboratory/267
Phone: 757-727-5410
Email: harvey.stokes@hamptonu.edu
Professor
Harvey J. Stokes is Professor of Music at Hampton University, where he also is the Founder and Director of the Computer Music Laboratory. He has taught also at Miami University, Christopher Newport University, and the College of William and Mary. His degrees are from Michigan State University (Ph. D.), The University of Georgia (M. M.), and East Carolina University (B. M.). Dr. Stokes is a recipient of the 2017-18 Edward L. Hamm Sr. Distinguished Teaching Award at Hampton University.
Currently, Dr. Stokes serves on the National Council of the Society of Composers as well as the National Association of Composers USA, and is a former President of the Southeastern Composers League. He has served also as a consultant for the North Carolina Arts Council, The College Board, the Educational Testing Service, and the Educational Policy Improvement Center for the Advanced Placement (AP) in Music Program.
The oboe performance experiences of Dr. Stokes include those with the Tidewater Winds, Symphonicity Orchestra of Virginia Beach, Virginia Symphony, Millennium Symphony, Royal Ethiopian Philharmonic, and the Norfolk Chamber Consort. Additionally, several composer residencies and talks have been completed at West Chester University, Chowan University, North Carolina State University, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He is the author of two books on music as well as an award-winning composer of numerous works, and these works are available from Subito/Seesaw Music, Ars Nova Music Press, Centaur Records, Albany Records, and Harkie Music. His works have been performed recently in Hong Kong, Argentina, France, Canada, and the United States.
Mr. Robert Wright
Assistant Professor
Location: Armstrong Hall, 151
Phone: 757-727-5658
Email: robert.wright@hamptonu.edu
Expertise: Music; Audio Engineering
Assistant Professor
Location: Armstrong Hall, 151
Phone: 757-727-5658
Email: robert.wright@hamptonu.edu
Expertise: Music; Audio Engineering
Dr. Sukyung Yang
Assistant Professor of Music, Department of Music and Performing Arts
Email: SUKYUNG.YANG@hamptonu.edu
Assistant Professor of Music, Department of Music and Performing Arts
Pianist Sukyung Yang is renowned for her dazzling virtuosity and profound musicality. Her exquisite interpretations of the masterworks by composers such as Beethoven, Chopin, Schumann, and Prokofiev have captivated audiences with brilliant performances. Wit a diverse international presence, Sukyung Yang has graced renowned stages across the United States, South Korea, and Germany. Her performances stand as a testament to her dedication to the art of the piano earning acclaim for breathtaking technique and artistry. Dr. Yang hold degrees from The University of Iowa where she earned the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy, a Master of Music in piano performance from Western Illinois University, and a Bachelor of Music in Piano from Gachon University in South Korea. As an active performer she appeared in distinguished music festivals such as Montecito International Music Festival and Aruba Symphony Festival. Beyond her career as a pianist, Dr. Yang is active as both a solo and collaborative artist. Recent accolades include a top prize in collaborative performance at the Southard Music Competition at the University of Northern Colorado. Currently her passion for teaching piano embarked on a new role as an Assistant Professor at Hampton University.
Theatre Faculty
Marilyn Bailey
Assistant Professor
Email: marilyn.bailey@hamptonu.edu
Marilyn is the Assistant Professor of Theatre in Costume Design professor at Hampton University. She recently graduated from Regent University with a Master of Fine Arts in Acting and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music- Voice from Western Carolina University. In addition to teaching, Marilyn continues to work professionally as an actor both locally and nationally and has been costuming for over fifteen years. She is excited to bring her expertise in both Theatre and Music to the students at Hampton University.
Dr. Robin J. Boisseau
Assistant Professor
Email: robin.boisseau@hamptonu.edu
Dr. Robin J. Boisseau returns to Hampton University after several years of hiatus. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park with a Ph.D. in Theatre History, Theory, and Criticism. She also recieved a Master of Fine Arts in Directing from Memphis State University and a Master of Arts in English from Virginia Commonwealth University. She lives in Gloucester County with her family, including a dog, a cat, and a bunny.
Dr. Iris Goode-Middleton
Dr. Iris Goode-Middleton
Assistant Professor of Theatre
Location: Armstrong-Slater, 203-G
Phone: 757-637-2343
Email: iris.middleton@hamptonu.edu
Expertise: Theatre, Choreography, Communication, Social Media
Assistant Professor of Theatre
Dr. Karen Ward
Dr. Karen Ward
Location: Armstrong Hall, 144
Phone: 757-727-5402
Email: karen.ward@hamptonu.edu
Expertise: Theatre, Criticism, Public Address, Directing, Scriptwriting, Songwriter, producer, events coordinator
Chair
Dr. Ward has more than 30 years of experience in writing, directing, acting and producing in area of theatre. She has acted on professional stages across the country and has wriiten songs from various musical genres. She has published in the area of communication and written plays for local and national arenas. She cooridinates the major ceremonies for the University and serves as a dramatic and political critic.
Art Faculty
Mr. Kwabena A. Ampofo-Anti
Professor
Location: Bemis Lab, 111
Email: kwabena.ampofo-anti@hamptonu.edu
Expertise: Ceramics, Painting, Drawing, Art Appreciation, Humanities
Professor
Location: Bemis Lab, 111
Email: kwabena.ampofo-anti@hamptonu.edu
Expertise: Ceramics, Painting, Drawing, Art Appreciation, Humanities
Dr. Jacqueline M. Bontemps
Associate Professor
Location: Armstrong-Slater, 203B
Phone: 757-727-5821
Email: jacqueline.bontemps@hamptonu.edu
Expertise: Research, Visual Arts, and Graphic Design
Associate Professor
BONTEMPS, Jacqueline, Professor of Art. Ed.D., of Education, Illinois state University, Normal, Illinois; M.A., and B.A., Fisk University, Nashville, Tennessee.
Dr. Bontemps is an educator and researcher, art critic, painter, sculptor, graphic designer and photographer.
Nationally recognized for her scholarship and service in her field, her contributions as an artist, scholar, and educator have been noted in over forty publications, resource books, and textbooks. A distinguished record of research and scholarship in the discipline of African American Art and Art History, she has completed the most comprehensive and interpretively significant scholarship in the field of African American women in the arts. Though largely historical in nature, her research was presented in an interpretive context designed to establish a meaningful theoretical framework for critical discussion and analysis. Trained as an artist by Aaron Douglas and as an historian by David C. Driskell, she has emerged as a skilled administrative force in the Black arts community.
In the process she has been successful in identifying, encouraging, and supporting young and neglected artists. She was the director and curator of “Choosing: An Exhibit of Changing Perspectives of Modern Art and Art Criticism by Black Americans, 1925-1985” and “Forever Free: Art by African American 1862-1980”.
Areas of Expertise: Research, Visual Arts and Graphic Design. Dr. Bontemps can be reached in A/S 203 or at: (757-727-5821) or E-mail: Jacqueline.bontemps@hamptonu.edu
Oral Communications and Humanities Faculty
Mrs. Polly Bynum
Assistant Professor, Oral Communication
Email: POLLY.BYNUM@HAMPTONU.EDU
Assistant Professor, Oral Communication
I am a Midwesterner by birth. Born in Illinois, I did my undergraduate study at Illinois State University. After an enlistment in the military (Go Navy!) I returned to school, earning a master’s degree from Norfolk State University. Upon graduating I worked in Advertising. Weary from the long hours and stressful deadlines, I applied for, and accepted, an adjunct teaching position at a local HBCU. After my first day in the classroom, I knew I had found my passion; teaching! Since then, I’ve taught at various colleges in Virginia and Maryland. I am married and my husband (Navy retired) and I have two daughters and four grandchildren.
Mr. James Fincher
Assistant Professor in the Department of Music and Performing Arts.
Email: JAMES.FINCHER@hamptonu.edu
Mr. Fincher A native of Norfolk, Virginia, earned a M.A. in Media and Communication (Public Relations), from Norfolk State University; and a B.S. in Mass Communication (Broadcast Journalism) from Norfolk State University. Mr. Fincher is excited to be teaching Oral communications and Humanities.
Dr. Colin Kearney
Assistant Professor of Communication
Email: COLIN.KEARNEY@hamptonu.edu
A native of Virginia, Dr. Colin Kearney received his Ph.D. in Mass Communications from the University of Florida. His research areas of interest include media history, sports communication, political communication, and instructional communication. A strong believer in liberal arts-oriented education, he previously taught at Bellarmine University, the University of Dayton, and Christopher Newport University teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels. At Hampton, he teaches Oral Communication and Humanities courses. In his free time, Dr. Kearney enjoys attending live events including sports, concerts, and performances.
Mr. Alfred L. Davis, Jr
Assistant Professor of Communication
Email: alfred.davis@hamptonu.edu
Alfred Davis returns to his Alma Mater to teach courses in the Humanities Program, which he was a part of when it was first introduced to the university in 1998. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education (1983) and his Master of Arts Degree in Secondary Education-Music (1985) from Hampton University. Previously, Mr. Davis has held positions as Assistant Director of University Bands, Band Director and Director of University Bands at the following High Schools and Universities: Savannah (GA) State University, Windsor Middle and High Schools in Windsor, VA, Hampton University (1995-2001 and 2004-2010), Delaware State University, Fayetteville State University, and St. Augustine’s University.
Mr. Davis has led marching and basketball bands in performances in the following venues: three NCAA Basketball Tournament sites, the Battle of the Bay Classic, the Original Battle of the Bands, the Whitney Young Classic, the Detroit Football Classic, the MEAC-SWAC Challenge (Birmingham, AL), the MEAC-SWAC Challenge (Orlando, FL), the HBCU Battlefest in Norfolk, VA and the 2009 Presidential Inaugural Parade for President-Elect Barack Obama. He also led concert bands in performances at the NASPAAM conference, the Intercollegiate Music Association Conference, and at the HBCU National Band Directors Consortium Conference. High school and college bands throughout the United States have played his marching band arrangements.
Mr. Davis is active as a clinician and adjudicator of marching and concert bands. He holds membership in the College Band Directors National Association, National Band Association, National Association for Music Education, the HBCU National Band Directors Consortium, the Intercollegiate Music Association and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He also holds honorary memberships in Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity and Tau Beta Sigma Honorary Band Sorority.
Dr. Demarr Woods
Department Chair
Location: Armstrong Hall, 137
Phone: 757-728-6508
Email: demarr.woods@hamptonu.edu
Expertise: Music Performance – Trumpet
Dr. Demarr Woods is Chairperson of Music and Performing Arts at Hampton University located in Hampton, Virginia.
He received his Bachelor of Music degree from Southeastern Louisiana University, Master of Music from Howard University, the Performer’s Diploma from the Peabody Conservatory of The Johns Hopkins University, and Doctor of Arts in Music Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Northern Colorado.
Dr. Woods is a Sphinx LEAD (Leaders in Excellence, Arts, and Diversity) fellow. Sphinx LEAD is a two-year fellowship designed to evolve the industry landscape by empowering the next generation of executive leaders of Color. This is achieved through participation in executive leadership retreats, mentorship, and networking at top institutions at the national level.
Dr. Woods has been recognized as one of the nation’s foremost music educators. He has received several teaching awards including the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Chancellor’s Distinguished Teaching Award and the Peabody Preparatory of The Johns Hopkins University’s Diversity in Teaching Award.
Dr. Woods has held teaching positions at the University of Northern Colorado, Coppin State University, the Levine School of Music, and the Peabody Preparatory of Music. Dr. Woods has enjoyed performing and teaching throughout the U.S., Japan, China, and Thailand.
Dr. Woods is very committed to community engagement. Dr. Woods is currently a member of Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s Music Advisory Council, has previously served as a board member with the Natural State Brass Band in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Dr. Woods has performed as principal trumpet with the Sphinx Symphony Orchestra. The Sphinx Symphony Orchestra is based in Detroit MI and is a premiere organization that is strongly dedicated to diversity in the arts and is completely comprised of members who are of African American and Latinx descent. This ensemble includes performers with full-time positions in the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Detroit, Seattle, and Phoenix Symphonies, and university professorships.
Dr. Woods is currently a member of the Virginia Wind Symphony. The Virginia Wind Symphony is an ensemble made up of professional musicians, military musicians, public and private school teachers, and independent music instructors. The group was created to provide a musical outlet for musicians throughout the Hampton Roads Area and is dedicated to playing the finest original and transcribed wind literature available.
Dr. Woods has shared the stage with a wide variety of artists including, Doug Yeo, The Coaster’s, The Drifter’s, Wallace Roney, K.D. Lang, John Legend, Fred Wesley, Bill Pierce, and several others.
Dr. Woods’ primary teachers include, Dr. Bryan DePoy, Prof. Fred Irby III, Prof. Josef Burgstaller, Prof. Edward Hoffman, and Dr. John Adler.
Dr. Woods holds membership with the International Trumpet Guild, North American Brass Band Association, and the Historically Black Colleges and Universities National Consortium.
Mrs. Kayala Cunningham
Administrative Assistant
Location: Armstrong Hall Room 133
Email: KAYLAM.CUNNINGHAM@hamptonu.edu
Dr. Eric Wade Reiff
Please scan the QR codes for audition information and requirements.
Mr. Jerry Alexander Bracey
Assistant Professor/Jazz Ensemble & Chamber Orchestra Director
Location: Armstrong Hall, 141A
Phone: 757-728-6604
Email: jerry.bracey@hamptonu.edu
Expertise: Conductor, Educator, Musician and Mentor
Mr. Clifford Cox II.
Assistant Professor
Location: Convocation Center, Concourse C Upper Level
Phone: 757-728-6875
Email: clifford.cox@hamptonu.edu
Expertise: Instrumental Music with an emphasis on Brass
Dr. Steven Cunningham
Mr. Omar Dickenson
Director of University Choirs, Assistant Professor
Location: Clarke Hall, 6
Phone: 757-727-5603
Email: omar.dickenson@hamptonu.edu
Expertise: Choir, Conducting, Sacred Music, Keyboard Accompaniment
Mr. Benjamin Francis Garner
University Organist and Instructor of Piano and Organ
Location: Armstrong Hall, 265
Phone: 757-727-5702
Email: benjamin.garner@hamptonu.edu
Expertise: Piano, Organ, Recording Technology, Accompanying, Collaboration
Read Bio >
Mr. Alexander Hamilton II.
Assistant Director of Bands / Percussion Instructor
Location: Convocation Center, Percussion Studio
Phone: 757-728-6869
Email: alexander.hamilton@hamptonu.edu
Expertise: Music, Percussion
Dr. Tiffany Renée Jackson
Dr. Thomas Jones
Dr. Harvey J. Stokes
Professor of Music
Location: Armstrong Hall, Computer Music Laboratory/267
Phone: 757-727-5410
Email: harvey.stokes@hamptonu.edu
Mr. Robert Wright
Assistant Professor
Location: Armstrong Hall, 151
Phone: 757-727-5658
Email: robert.wright@hamptonu.edu
Expertise: Music; Audio Engineering
Dr. Sukyung Yang
Assistant Professor of Music, Department of Music and Performing Arts
Email: SUKYUNG.YANG@hamptonu.edu
Dr. Robin J. Boisseau
Assistant Professor
Email: robin.boisseau@hamptonu.edu
Dr. Robin J. Boisseau returns to Hampton University after several years of hiatus. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park with a Ph.D. in Theatre History, Theory, and Criticism. She also recieved a Master of Fine Arts in Directing from Memphis State University and a Master of Arts in English from Virginia Commonwealth University. She lives in Gloucester County with her family, including a dog, a cat, and a bunny.
Dr. Iris Goode-Middleton
Assistant Professor of Theatre
Location: Armstrong-Slater, 203-G
Phone: 757-637-2343
Email: iris.middleton@hamptonu.edu
Expertise: Theatre, Choreography, Communication, Social Media
Dr. Curtis Perry Otto
Assistant Professor
Location: Armstrong Hall, 102
Phone: 757-728-4834
Email: curtis.otto@hamptonu.edu
Expertise: Technical Theatre, Scenic and Lighting Design, Rhetoric, Communication Studies
Dr. Karen Ward
Location: Armstrong Hall, 144
Phone: 757-727-5402
Email: karen.ward@hamptonu.edu
Expertise: Theatre, Criticism, Public Address, Directing, Scriptwriting, Songwriter, producer, events coordinator
Mr. Kwabena A. Ampofo-Anti
Professor
Location: Bemis Lab, 111
Email: kwabena.ampofo-anti@hamptonu.edu
Expertise: Ceramics, Painting, Drawing, Art Appreciation, Humanities
Dr. Jacqueline M. Bontemps
Associate Professor
Location: Armstrong-Slater, 203B
Phone: 757-727-5821
Email: jacqueline.bontemps@hamptonu.edu
Expertise: Research, Visual Arts, and Graphic Design
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Mrs. Polly Bynum
Mr. James Fincher
Assistant Professor in the Department of Music and Performing Arts.
Email: JAMES.FINCHER@hamptonu.edu
“Mr. Fincher A native of Norfolk, Virginia, earned a M.A. in Media and Communication (Public Relations), from Norfolk State University; and a B.S. in Mass Communication (Broadcast Journalism) from Norfolk State University. Mr. Fincher is excited to be teaching Oral communications and Humanities.”
Dr. Colin Kearney
Assistant Professor of Communication
Email: COLIN.KEARNEY@hamptonu.edu
A native of Virginia, Dr. Colin Kearney received his Ph.D. in Mass Communications from the University of Florida. His research areas of interest include media history, sports communication, political communication, and instructional communication. A strong believer in liberal arts-oriented education, he previously taught at Bellarmine University, the University of Dayton, and Christopher Newport University teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels. At Hampton, he teaches Oral Communication and Humanities courses.
In his free time, Dr. Kearney enjoys attending live events including sports, concerts, and performances.
