The Georgia State School of Music is pleased to announce the appointment of Lawrence Williams as Assistant Director of Bands, alongside a new leadership role for T. Devin Reid, who will now serve as Interim Director of Athletic Bands and Associate Director of Bands.
In these roles, Reid will lead the Panther Band, conduct the Wind Orchestra and continue directing the Panther Basketball Band, while Williams will conduct the University Concert Band, teach undergraduate conducting and co-direct the Panther Band.
Since his appointment as Assistant Director of Bands in 2018, Reid has overseen remarkable growth in the University Concert Band, an ensemble comprising students from across campus, which is now the largest instrumental concert ensemble at Georgia State. Over the past decade, he has led the Panther Band through major national appearances, including the 2019 Pepsi Super Bowl LIII Halftime Show and the 2022 Tournament of Roses Parade. Reflecting on this new chapter, Reid shared, “I am looking forward to leading and growing the Panther Band and working to entertain our fans with each performance.”
Williams joins the Georgia State faculty with deep experience in Georgia public schools, most recently at McIntosh High School and Summerour Middle School, where he helped guide ensembles to consistent Superior ratings at GMEA events and led the launch of innovative programs in music technology and jazz education. He is currently completing his Doctor of Musical Arts in Wind Conducting at Louisiana State University, where he also earned a master’s degree and served as a graduate assistant with the Department of Bands. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Georgia’s Hugh Hodgson School of Music and a Music Business Certificate from the Terry College of Business.
Excited to join the School of Music community, Williams noted, “There’s a strong history and sense of excitement around the band program at Georgia State. I’m thrilled to be joining this incredible team and grateful for the opportunity to be part of a community that values growth, creativity and connection. I look forward to helping build upon that legacy.”
Dr. Robert J. Ambrose, Director of Bands, emphasized the significance of both appointments. “Devin has been a member of the Georgia State Bands faculty for a decade,” he shared, “and during that time has distinguished himself as an extraordinary educator and tireless supporter of student success. I am very excited to continue working closely with him as he assumes leadership of our Athletic Band program.”
Ambrose also spoke to the strengths Williams brings to the team, adding, “I am thrilled to welcome Lawrence Williams to our Georgia State Bands family. Lawrence brings to us a wealth of experience in teaching and leadership. As an Atlanta native, he is firmly entrenched in the music community of our state.”
Together, Reid and Williams will lead the Panther Band and concert ensembles into an exciting new chapter—one defined by musical excellence, student opportunity and continued innovation.