Mr. Byron M. Chatman, a native of Natchez, Mississippi and alumnus of Alcorn State University, serves as the Assistant Band Director for the Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite Marching Band. Currently in his role, he teaches undergraduate music appreciation, conducts the low brass ensemble and has several students in his applied studio. He earned a Bachelor of Music (B.M) degree from Alcorn State in 2010, a Master of Music Education (M.M.E) from Jackson State University in 2015, and is currently concluding his doctoral studies in Music Education at the University of Mississippi.
Mr. Chatman studied concert and marching band techniques under the late Samuel L. Griffin of Alcorn State University, Mr. Dowell Taylor of Jackson State University, and Mr. David Willson of the University of Mississippi. Prior to his arrival back to Alcorn State, he shaped the musicianship of various K-12 band programs across the state of Mississippi, to which he has received superior and excellent ratings at marching and concert band festivals. Musical ensembles under his supervision have performed at the Honda Battle of the Bands, HGTV's Home Town Takeover, and Tom Joyner Morning Show. Mr. Chatman has also had the opportunity to arrange music for K-12, vocal ensembles, and collegiate marching bands in Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, Georgia, and Texas.
The Mississippi Humanities Council awarded him the 2021 Humanities Professor Award for his research on the history of music programs at HBCUs. He is an accomplished tubist who has performed with the United States Marine Band and other musical ensembles in the state of Mississippi. He is also a first-round tuba adjudicator for the Mississippi Lions Band and Mississippi Bandmaster's Clinic Band.
Mr. Chatman is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Mississippi Bandmaster Association (MBA), the Magnolia Band Association, and the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). He is married to Dr. Shawnta D. Chatman, and is a diligent member of Lynch Street Christian Methodist Episcopal Church located in Jackson, Mississippi.