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Jeff Phillips

Harlan County Schools Public Relations

To say Roger Jordan loves band is an understatement.

“It is my life,” says Jordan, a senior at Harlan County High School and tuba player for the band.

Over the past two years, his love for the program has blossomed through his involvement in the jazz band, concert band and marching band, as well as through personal lessons.

His hard work and dedication in recent years to the music program are paying off with various accolades for his talent coming his way. He recently was named the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Award recipient during the Stephen Foster Music Camp at Eastern Kentucky University. This award is presented to the most outstanding student during the camp. He received this honor in front of 556 participating students.

Band Director James Adams said he is pleased with Jordan’s growth in the music program.

“He has progressed faster than any student I have had in my lesson studio. Not only has Roger grown technically, but he has blossomed into a strong musician.”

Adams noted that during Jordan’s sophomore year, “he was frequently last chair at honors events. During his junior year, he was first chair at honor events.

He earned first chair in the EKU Honor Band, second chair in the All-Festival band, third chair in the all-region band, and distinguished ratings in the district and state solo and ensemble competitions.

Jordan readily admits his love for band wasn’t always there, that he actually joined beginners and for what was perceived by students as an “easy class.”

“Then I came to HC and it really took hold,” he said.

Jordan credits Adams for helping foster his commitment to music.

“He (Mr. Adams) is what really got me into it. He is the reason I went to everything and got where I am. He helped me in band, in private lessons and has talked with his teacher at Eastern. Everything seems to be coming together.”

Jordan plans to audition for a music scholarship at EKU in February. His goal is to pursue a music degree and someday be a band director.

Receiving the Phi Mu Alpha Award is a great honor, said Jeanne Ann Lee, the Harlan County School District’s music director. “The kids who go are the kids who are interested in music. They are very involved in groups at their high school. To be named best among students who already excel is a tremendous honor. We are extremely proud of Roger. He is such a great kid. He truly is. I am extremely pleased for him and our music program.”

Adams said some of the band’s success this year is a direct result of Jordan’s dedication to the program.

“Roger’s leadership within the band program has been invaluable this year,” said Adams. “Musically, Roger sets a great example for the program and has taken on an instructional role working with some of our younger students.”

The marching band’s featured program this year is a tribute to coal miners. The half-time show is designed to take a trip into a day in the life of the coal miner. The band will perform this during half-time at home football games and during various competitions scheduled this fall.

“Roger is a very deserving young man,” said Bob Howard, HCHS principal. “I always see him working hard with the band. He truly is dedicated to the band program. He has a great attitude. He is an all-around good natured boy.”

In addition to band, he is active with the piano program at HCHS and the Teetersville Baptist Church Youth Group. He presently has plans to “step out” in the music program at his church and share his talent. He is the son of the Rev. Roger and Berniece Jordan, of Teetersville. His brother, Josh is an eighth-grader at Rosspoint Elementary School. He is not interested in band at this time, concentrating on baseball. Hopefully that will change, said Jordan.