Samuel Griffin, the former director of bands and the founder of the Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite marching band at Alcorn State University in Mississippi died on August 4. He was 71 years old.
Griffin’s career at Alcorn State lasted for more than 40 years. He was named director of bands in 1969 and remained in that post until his retirement in 2012.
Alfred Rankins Jr., president of Alcorn State, said that “Griffin was the epitome of Alcorn excellence. He loved this university, and he dedicated his time to instilling key values of hard work into generations of Alcornites.”
Current Alcorn Director of Bands Dr. Renardo Murray added, “Griffin was an Alcorn State University icon. He touched the lives of so many young people. He not only taught us how to be musicians, but he also taught us how to be strong men and women.”
Griffin held a bachelor’s degree in music from Jackson State University and a master’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi.
