A Q&A with Music and Band’s Jamal Duncan

Jamal Duncan, D.M.A.
Assistant Director of Bands in the Department of Music

In this conversation, Duncan talks about how much he loves working with students in the Hogwild and Razorback Marching Bands, directing the Symphonic Band and the Arkansas New Music Ensemble, as well as his inability to let a good joke go untold and the allure of The Cheesecake Factory. He also talks about how amazing Fayetteville’s creative community is, and the importance of getting out there and experiencing it!

Q: Tell us a little about your research, academic passions and/or role within the college. What excites you about this?

I wear a lot of hats in the Department of Music.

My primary role is as Director of the Hogwild Band and Assistant Director of the Razorback Marching Band. I also direct the Symphonic Band and Arkansas New Music Ensemble.

In addition to that, I teach conducting to our music education students. These roles combine my passions for musical performance, teacher training and cutting-edge trends in music.

Q: How long have you been at Fulbright College? What have you enjoyed most about your time here?

I have been at Fulbright College for six years. Working with such a great group of students is what has made my time here most enjoyable.

The variety of the elements associated with my job is what keeps things exciting.

In the course of a day, I spend time mentoring graduate students, helping music education students develop skills that they will use in their future classrooms, and I get to make music with those who want to have music as their career as well as those who have chosen a different career path, but want to keep music as part of their life.

Many of these days end in one of our athletic venues helping to cheer on the Arkansas Razorbacks sports teams. It’s a lot of hats to wear, but I love it.

Q: What do you most hope your students remember from their classes and/or interactions with you?

I hope my students remember my encouragement and quest for high standards as a means to prepare them for the future.

I believe that each of them has the capacity to change their corner of the world and that you get there by hard work and pushing yourself daily.

I hope when they look back on their time here, that they will see me as someone who pushed them at all times but was there to support them when they needed it.

I’m pretty positive that most of my students will remember my great sense of humor, inability to let a good joke go untold and that my love of The Cheesecake Factory heavily influences Hogwild Band’s trip itineraries.

I mean the place has a menu that’s a book and has some of the best desserts. The students will tell you that all Hogwild trips lead to the Cheesecake Factory … and for the record, the salted caramel cheesecake is the dessert of choice. IT IS HOGWILD APPROVED!

Q: What do you like to do during your time outside of the university?

As a musician, going to concerts occupies a lot of my time. I enjoy the creative community in Fayetteville very much.

On any given night there are great performances to choose from. I try to go to as many of those as possible.

You also aren’t getting the full Northwest Arkansas experience if you aren’t enjoying the many stellar restaurants the region has to offer. Some of my favorites are Wrights BBQ, Press Room, Tim’s Pizza East and Theo’s.  

Q: What’s up next on the horizon for you?

As I write this, It’s March so that means travel to SEC Basketball Tournaments with 60 members of the Hogwild Band. Later in the Spring, I’m off to Southern California to conduct the Pacific Symphony’s Youth Wind Ensemble and attending the College Band Director National Association’s Athletic Band Symposium at the University of Washington in Seattle. 

Personally, I’m excited to watch my nephew graduate high school in a few months and get ready to head to college!!!