Sam Hankins

SAMUEL HANKINS Jr.

Samuel Hankins was born into a musical family. His maternal grandmother played the piano and was a tremendous gospel singer. His father played harmonica and vocals in various R & B bands. His brother plays the piano, majors in voice and teaches elementary school music. So it was inevitable that Sam's musical education would begin at an early age. Encouraged by his father, Samuel Hankins Sr., young "Hank" began with the guitar. In middle school he switched to the trumpet. Again, encouraged by his father, Sam began playing in churches, professional bands and orchestras.

Sam's love of music led him to Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance. He became active in college joining the distinguish men of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. After college he joined the Air Force Jazz Band, The Pacesetters, stationed at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois. He remained with the Pacesetters as a trumpeter until the Air Force Base closed in 1991. Sam then returned to school, earning both a second Bachelors Degree and a Masters Degree in Music Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

As a trumpet player, Sam has performed and recorded with many bands: such as Glenn Miller big band, Clark Terry, circus bands, funk bands, on cruise ships, combos, and commercial recording sessions. He has performed with pop artist groups such as The O'Jays, Aretha Franklin, Al Jarreau, The Temptations, The Impressions, and The Dells.

Armed with this impressive array of degrees, experience, and credentials, Sam accepted the position of Band Director at Edison Middle School in September 1995. Sam led a struggling band program with limited participation into one of the premier middle school instrumental music programs in the United States. During his first year as Band Director, Sam led two bands to place first in division ratings in the State Music Competitions.