Najja 'Naj' Hughey
As a member of his middle school and high school bands, Najja “Naj” Hughey explored his love for music. At Georgia State, he’s preparing to inspire the journeys of students in the next generation as a music educator.
Interview by Jordan Ferguson
Tell me about yourself and how you got to Georgia State.
I am a rising senior, and I grew up in rural Dahlonega, Ga. I originally applied to Georgia State as a business major and was accepted in January 2021. As I wrapped up my time in high school, I realized I didn’t want to do business. I was in the band throughout middle school and high school, and I realized I loved teaching and inspiring others, especially through music. That’s when I changed my major to music education. I auditioned for the School of Music at Georgia State, got in, did the Panther Band audition, and got in and got a scholarship.
What type of activities are you involved in?
I’ve been in music the entire time, playing the euphonium and trombone. I’m one of four drum majors for the Panther Band and I am one of the senators for the College of the Arts in the Student Government Association (SGA). I’m also the president of the Nu Alpha chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi, a national honorary fraternity for bands. And I remain active in the community, teaching at several high schools and playing in an all-adult community group called Tara Winds. I dedicate my summers to professional development as a future educator, aiming to serve my community and students as best I can.
How is the university preparing you for your future as a music educator?
The university has given me the opportunity to grow. One of the biggest factors in choosing a college was affordability, and Georgia State has that. GSU has also allowed me to surround myself with people from different backgrounds and cultures. In one of my ensembles, we had, I believe, 10 or 15 international students, which is cool because they come from different styles and different backgrounds. But they still have the same passion and energy that drives them. That is so infectious to me because some of them have come from less privileged areas and they don’t have the luxury of having a practice room or a classroom or even an instrument. I’ve enjoyed seeing others be able to do what they love, and be given the opportunity to do that.
We also have one of the best lineups of professors. Many of them are principal players in major orchestras like the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta Opera or the Georgia Philharmonic. Having those connections with world class musicians is enriching to our development. Many of them have taught for a while. They know a lot about secondary education, which helps me because of having those connections. I am a brass instructor at a local high school, and their director is a Georgia State graduate. I connected with them through my professor. So, having those connections and experiences has been great.
As a rising senior graduating in May 2025, where do you see yourself going?
The first thing is getting a full-time job, most likely teaching high school, middle school or even elementary school, to get teaching experience. Eventually, I want to get a master’s and continue on and get a DMA (Doctor of Musical Arts) somewhere. Eventually I would to teach at the collegiate level and conduct ensembles around the world.
All I know is that I love learning. I’m a lifelong learner. I love inspiring, and it’s very important that there is representation. It’s not common to see Black male educators, so I want to inspire those who look like me to see that music is an option and that they can do anything.
I just returned from Washington, D.C., where I spent a day advocating for music education on Capitol Hill. We talked to U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff of Georgia. We spoke about funding all arts so that students can have proper materials. I also talked about more funding to teacher development programs for HBCUs and MSI's (minority-serving institutions) like Georgia State.
What has been the most rewarding part of your educational journey at Georgia State?
It was one of my first concerts in the top ensemble. Being around so many amazing musicians, auditioning and being accepted into the top ensemble was the most rewarding experience.
Also, my first game as a drum major left some great memories. I was excited and nervous. I love everything about our band, from what we do to the product we put out. The culture is energetic, and the music brings everyone together to cheer on the Panthers. Some of my bandmates aren’t even music majors.
I didn’t realize that some marching band members were not music majors.
Yes. That’s a cool fact. We always talk about many of them being all over the place in majors like math, biology or business. People think it’s a major commitment, but it’s not. Marching band is twice a week, for three hours, and then the Saturday games.
What has been your most rewarding experience?
I have been fortunate to travel around the country performing with my band. One of my most memorable trips was in 2022 when I had the opportunity to march in the Rose Parade in Pasadena, CA. I have also traveled to and performed in nearby states, as well as other places such as Portland, OR. Recently, I also had the chance to support our Panthers athletics in Boise, ID.
