The Smithfield-Selma High School Band Program has a long and rich history. Windley, fondly known as “Doc Windley,” led the band from its inception in 1969 until 1986. Those students who had the honor of being a part of one of Mr. Windley’s bands have great memories and stories to tell about the man who was an icon in the community. In January of 2009, a new band facility was opened at Smithfield-S
elma High School, and was named after Mr. A plaque dedicated to the school’s first band director hangs in the entryway of the new Windley Hall. After a period of several director changes, Mr. Brian Jones accepted the band director position at SSS in 2003. Jones quickly proved that he was up to the challenge, and provided a new direction for the band program. Shane Benson from 2005 to 2007 and Mr. Jason Heard from 2007 to 2010, Mr. Jones developed a successful and very well-respected band program. After the 2010 season, the band lost its second director position, but Mr. Jones has single-handedly continued the excellence and growth of the Smithfield-Selma High School Band Program. Jones has led the band to some amazing accomplishments. The Spartan Regiment has been named Grand Champion at many local competitions, and has finished in the top three in its class at nearly all of the local shows that it has entered since Mr. Jones’ arrival. Jones has also expanded the program in his time with the band to include not only marching band, concert programs, and jazz band, but also Winter Guard, indoor percussion, and Percussion Theater. In 2011, the Winter Guard finished 11th in the world at WGI World Championships. Under the incredible leadership of Mr. Jones, the program continues to be one of the best in the state, and will continue to thrive despite any adversity.
