Jan. 28 Transition to Virtual Operations, Campus Closed

Bowie State University will be transitioning to virtual operations for all classes and office operations on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. The campus will be closed to all non-essential personnel, and all campus activities are canceled. All buildings except residence halls will be closed. Essential personnel should report on time. This is due to the extended time required to clear the extensive snow and ice accumulation on campus. University crews are making every effort to resume campus operations, as a safe return to in-person learning and work remains our top priority. Only essential personnel and residential students are permitted access to the campus on Jan. 28. For more information, please visit BowieState.edu/weather.

BowieState.edu/weather

 Department of Fine and Performing Arts

Billy Bennett


Mr. Billy R. Bennett, Director of University Bands and Music Coordinator at Bowie State University started his career as a Band Director in Scotland Neck, NC where he literally put together the chairs, music stands and painted the walls to rekindle the instrumental music program at Brawley Middle School. While at Brawley he assisted at Southeast Halifax High School where the band won numerous competitions and awards. From there he relocated to Leggett, NC where he held a simultaneous position as Director of Bands at North Edgecombe High School and Phillips Middle School.

While at North and Phillips the band won numerous accolades and the hearts of the community. With an initiative lead by Mr. Bennett the North Edgecombe community fought and raised money to replace the 18 year old marching band uniforms.

He received a Bachelor of Music Education from Norfolk State University where he participated in all bands including the University Brass Ensemble and Trombone Choir. He has a Master of Arts Degree in Instrumental Conducting from Morgan State University. Mr. Bennett holds and has held membership in the following professional organizations: College Band Directors National Association, National Association of Music Educators, International Trombone Association, National Educator Association, the Intercollegiate Musician Association, Historically Black Colleges and Universities National Band Directors Consortium (HBCU-NBDC).  He is a member of the Iota Xi Alumni Association of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, an Honorary member of the Theta Pi chapter of Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority and a member of the Epsilon Omega Alumni Association of Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority Incorporated.

Mr. Bennett has adjudicated the Baltimore City Concert Band Festival, conducted the HBCU-NBDC Trombone Choir and performed with the late Aretha Franklin, ms. Lynn Roberts, the Tar River Swing Band, the Clarence Knight Jazz Orchestra and Gospel Recording Artists, The Gideon Band. Mr. Bennett is Director of the Nationally known “Pride of the CIAA” Bowie State University “Symphony Of Soul” Marching Band, University Pep Band, and Bowie State University Symphonic Band.