Stetson University to Host 35th Annual Florida Bandmasters Association Hall of Fame Weekend

Stetson alumnus and former Director of Bands Dr. Douglas L. Phillips among three distinguished Florida music educators to be honored

Stetson University will host the 35th Annual Florida Bandmasters Association (FBA) Hall of Fame Weekend November 21–22, 2026, celebrating Florida’s band directors and their lasting contributions to music education. This year, Dr. Douglas L. Phillips, a Stetson alumnus and former Director of Bands and Associate Professor of Music, will be inducted into the FBA Roll of Distinction. Kelly Oliff Dorsey of Union County High School and Jody Dunn of Crestview High School will also be inducted into the FBA Hall of Fame.

The weekend features two concerts in Lee Chapel at Elizabeth Hall on Stetson’s DeLand campus. The Roll of Distinction Concert will take place Saturday, November 21, at 7:30 p.m., featuring Southern Winds, conducted by Dr. Douglas L. Phillips. The Hall of Fame Concert will follow Sunday, November 22, at 4 p.m., featuring the Stetson University Symphonic Band, conducted by Dr. Chandler L. Wilson, Director of Bands and Assistant Professor of Music.

Honoring a Stetson Legacy

Phillips earned his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Stetson before completing graduate studies at Western Michigan University and the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music. He returned to Stetson in 2012 and served for 11 years as Director of Bands and Associate Professor of Music before retiring from full-time academia in 2023.

During his tenure, Phillips directed the Symphonic Band and Concert Band, oversaw the university’s comprehensive band program and founded the Hatter Band in fall 2013. He also taught music education, wind band literature and instrumental conducting and worked extensively with Stetson’s summer music camps, mentoring student musicians across multiple instrumental ensembles.

Phillips has made lasting contributions to the Florida Bandmasters Association, coordinating and hosting its Hall of Fame Weekend at Stetson during his tenure. He continues to serve as a non-voting member of the FBA Hall of Fame Board of Directors and has held leadership roles with the College Band Directors National Association and the National Band Association.

He also serves as music director and conductor of Southern Winds, a symphonic band bringing together Central Florida music educators, Stetson faculty and alumni, professional musicians and community members. The ensemble gave its inaugural performance at Stetson on November 10, 2001, during the FBA Hall of Fame Weekend and has performed annually as the featured ensemble for the Roll of Distinction Concert.

Phillips’s Stetson connection is also personal. He and his wife, Dr. Tammara K. Phillips, a professional flutist, music educator and flute professor at Stetson, met as undergraduate students at the university and were married in Elizabeth Hall. Both later returned to Stetson as faculty members, succeeding their respective undergraduate professors and mentors.

Celebrating Two Accomplished Florida Band Directors

Kelly Oliff Dorsey, band director at Union County High School, has dedicated more than three decades to music education. After 13 years teaching at Bell Junior/Senior High School, she began leading Union County’s band program in 2003. A Florida State University music education graduate, Dorsey has built a reputation for excellence, with her bands consistently earning superior ratings at FBA events, including multiple Otto J. Kraushaar Awards.

Dorsey has served as a clinician, adjudicator and leader throughout Florida. She conducted the Florida All-State Small Schools Honor Band in 2008 and the FBA Nine Star Honor Band in 2022. She currently chairs the FBA Small Schools Committee and serves as co-chair of the American School Band Directors Association Clinics Committee. Her professional recognitions include the FBA Oliver Hobbs Award in 2016, Union County School District Teacher of the Year for 2020–2021 and the John Philip Sousa Foundation’s Legion of Honor Award in 2024. Through her teaching and advocacy, she has expanded opportunities for students and supported music educators, particularly those serving smaller school programs.

Jody Dunn, director of bands at Crestview High School, has devoted his career to the school and community where his musical journey began. A 1986 Crestview graduate, Dunn earned his music education degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. After beginning his career in Louisiana, he returned to Crestview in 1992 and became director of bands in 2006. The 2025–2026 school year marked his 31st year at his alma mater and 35th year as an educator.

Under Dunn’s leadership, the Crestview band program has continued its tradition of excellence, with notable performances including the 2012 Tournament of Roses Parade and a 2014 Carnegie Hall appearance by the Wind Ensemble. Dunn has also conducted honor bands and served as a clinician and adjudicator nationwide, including conducting the 2020 Florida All-State High School Honor Band.

His professional service includes leadership on the FBA state executive board and chairmanship of its Ethics Committee and Marching Band Task Force. Dunn received the FBA Oliver Hobbs Award for 2020–2021 and was named a John Philip Sousa Foundation Legion of Honor Laureate in December 2025. He was elected to the Florida Bandmasters Association Hall of Fame in January 2026.

Celebrating Florida’s Band Tradition

The 35th Annual Florida Bandmasters Association Hall of Fame Weekend recognizes educators whose leadership, artistry and dedication have shaped generations of musicians. The recognition of Phillips, Dorsey and Dunn celebrates three distinguished careers and their lasting influence on students, schools and communities.

For Stetson University, the weekend also celebrates its longstanding relationship with Florida’s music education community and the enduring contributions of an alumnus and former faculty member.

Event Details

35th Annual Florida Bandmasters Association Hall of Fame Weekend

Roll of Distinction Concert: Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. — Southern Winds, conducted by Dr. Douglas L. Phillips.

Hall of Fame Concert: Sunday, November 22, 2026, at 4 p.m. — Stetson University Symphonic Band, conducted by Dr. Chandler L. Wilson.

Location: Lee Chapel, Elizabeth Hall, Stetson University, 421 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand, FL 32723.

Admission: Free; the community is invited to attend.

Information: (386) 822-8950