‘Transformational’ Benedict College band director dies

The man known for growing and invigorating Benedict College’s marching band over the past decade has died.

Herman Jones, 53, was a father figure for his pupils and a “transformational leader” who improved the band’s sound and bolstered its numbers, his friends and colleagues said.

Jones passed away Friday at Providence Hospital, a huge loss for the private Columbia college and its band program, they say.

“In the 10 years he was there, he impacted so many people, it was as if he had been there for 30 years,” said Adrian Adams, who played in Benedict’s band under Jones and later joined Jones’ staff.

Jones, a jazz saxophonist, took over Benedict’s band program in 2007 and gave it a unique sound, a fusion of music from different genres and eras that appealed to virtually every member of its audience, his friends said.

At that point, the band was just 10 years old, but Jones gave it an identity – always giving students room to provide input and try new things.

“He was a jazz musician at heart,” said Emmett Goods, one of Jones’ former assistants at Benedict. “He was constantly improving, constantly coming up with something new, something spontaneous and on the fly.”

Friends and colleagues say Jones gave everyone a chance and was generous with advice and individual attention for his students. Jones also was an active recruiter who worked hard to boost the band’s membership.

“He was always there to help the young people advance, not only musically, but as human beings as well,” said Linda Kershaw, an associate music professor at Benedict.

Jones, who leaves behind a wife and three children, was credited with strengthening the band’s relationship with its alumni and raising money to buy new uniforms and instruments.

Soon enough, Jones’ band was the main attraction at Benedict football games, some said.

“Eighty-five percent of the crowd was there to support the band, if not more,” Adams said.

Funeral services for Jones will be held at noon on Saturday at Bible Way Church of Atlas Road.

This story was originally published May 31, 2016 at 5:47 PM.