As Dr. Anthony King enters his office in the Harral Music Complex, he is met with familiar surroundings — the same walls and some of the same furnishings from his earlier time there. Across the room, his marimba is once again in the same spot it occupied just over five years ago, and hanging behind him is a plaque that features three straightforward words: Humble. Intentional. Serving.
For King, these are not merely words. They represent the core values that shape his life, his instruction, his leadership, and his work with students.
This autumn, King has come back to Wayland Baptist University to revive the university’s instrumental music program, returning to a role he had to abandon in December 2020 when the program was discontinued.
This is where I belong,” King remarked. “It’s deeply moving to return, encounter familiar faces, and realize we have the chance to restore something that holds such significance for so many individuals.
King performed with the Disney World Band while completing a five-year Bachelor of Music Education degree at the University of Central Florida. His next step was the University of Las Vegas, where he “didn’t get to attend a single performance” while obtaining a Master’s in Music and Percussion Performance in two years. He was the intermediate school band director at Boyd High School when prayer and God’s guidance led him to Texas Tech, where he worked as the drumline coach while pursuing his doctorate.
He initially began working at Wayland in 2012 as an adjunct instructor and transitioned to a full-time position in 2013 while completing his doctorate at Texas Tech. Over the subsequent seven years at Wayland, he gained recognition across the region as an exceptional teacher, mentor, and recruiter, influencing a whole generation of music educators in West Texas.
This heritage is visible in the achievements of his former pupils, several of whom have become leaders of acclaimed public school band programs. “We’ve had alumni take their bands to state contests, earn honor band distinctions, and motivate numerous students of their own,” King stated. “The influence of this program is apparent wherever you look.”
King is not boasting. Ken Walker, who served as drum major when King arrived at the university, recently led his Ralls High School band to the state competition for the first time in 40 years and has now moved to Estacado High School in Lubbock. Kayla Driver guided the Whiteface High School band to the state level last year, while David Rogers took the Hale Center High School band to the state competition for the third time last year, and the list continues.
After Wayland discontinued its instrumental music program in 2020, King relocated to Jackson, MI, to work as a visiting professor at Albion College for one semester. During his brief tenure, he introduced fresh recruitment methods, created new marching band uniforms, and gave the band a new identity. Upon completing this temporary role, he went back to Texas and shifted to secondary education, where he taught at Monterey High School in Lubbock.
An unexpected meeting with Tim Kelley, the former director of bands at Wayland, led him back to Plainview as a member of the leadership team for the “Powerhouse of the Plains,” the acclaimed Plainview High School band. Last year,
A call to direct the university’s new pep band from Wayland’s President, Dr. Donna Hedgepath, brought him back to campus on a part-time schedule. This eventually resulted in a full-time position this year to restart the entire instrumental music program.
However, starting over will require time. Don’t anticipate seeing a band at home football games. King mentioned that this year’s emphasis will be on recruiting, with a complete return to major performances expected in the future.
We aim to restore a strong instrumental music program, guided by dedicated and intellectually involved faculty,” King stated. “This involves identifying the appropriate students, nurturing them as both musicians and individuals, and establishing a culture that embodies our principles.
The principles are captured in the “HIS” motto that King developed during his initial time at Wayland — Humble, Intentional, Serving. It’s a mindset that has accompanied him throughout every school he has taught at and now comes back with him to WBU.
Remaining humble involves having confidence without being arrogant. Being purposeful means understanding the reason behind your actions. Both of these qualities lead to serving — the institution, the community, and your future self,” King explained. “It’s about conveying life lessons through music.
King’s method has consistently extended beyond the written notes. Whether it’s supporting a student during a personal challenge, guiding a future band leader, or being present at a local high school to inspire young musicians, his efforts are equally focused on building connections as they are on musical performance.
This perspective closely matches the goals of Dr. Hedgepath, who has identified the revival of an instrumental music program as a key focus in her newly released strategic plan.
The resurgence of instrumental music is a shared objective with our Board of Trustees as we aim to develop a strong music program at Wayland,” said Dr. Hedgepath. “This is one of several actions we are implementing to enhance the arts, increase opportunities for our students, and strengthen our ties with the community.
From our very first discussion with Dr. Hedgepath, it was evident we shared the same vision,” King stated. “We both view this as a chance to enhance the university’s influence and effect through music.
Currently, King is concentrating on welcoming new students, engaging with local band directors, and establishing the foundation for a fresh chapter in WBU’s instrumental music program. He envisions the program not only developing exceptional musicians but also preparing graduates to become servant-leaders in the world.
I enjoy teaching educators. I appreciate collaborating with individuals who are enthusiastic about learning,” King stated. “Music provides access to emotions within an academic setting, and if that door is open, you’re invited in. That’s what we’re creating — a space where students feel they belong, develop, and utilize their talents to help others.
