Jeffrey Brown Jr., Director of Bands
(jlbrown@eccc.edu)
East Central Community College is excited to announce the hiring of Jeffrey Brown Jr. as its new Director of Bands, bringing more than two decades of experience in band leadership, music education, and student recruitment to the College.
Brown joins ECCC after serving as Director of Bands for Yazoo County Schools, where he oversaw all aspects of the district’s band program, including instruction, budgeting, facilities management, and staff supervision. Under his leadership, the Yazoo County High School Band competed in the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) State Marching Evaluation for the first time in the school’s history, earning superior ratings in every category.
Prior to his work in Yazoo County, Brown spent more than 18 years at Holmes Community College, serving as both Director of Bands and Assistant Band Director/Music Professor. During his tenure, he played a key role in expanding band enrollment, strengthening recruitment efforts, and launching successful ensembles, including the Holmes Community College Indoor Drumline, which earned multiple state championships. He also developed innovative outreach initiatives, such as the program’s annual “World Tour,” which became one of the college’s most effective recruiting tools.
Brown holds a Master of Music Education and a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Mississippi and an associate degree from Jones County Junior College. He is a past president of the Mississippi Community/Junior College Band Association and remains active in several professional music organizations.
“We are extremely excited to welcome Mr. Brown to East Central Community College,” said Dr. Brent Gregory, President of ECCC. “He brings a proven track record of excellence, leadership, and program growth. We are especially looking forward to his work recruiting band students throughout our service area and strengthening connections with middle and high school band programs. Mr. Brown’s passion for music education and student success aligns perfectly with our mission, and we cannot wait to see the impact he will have on our band program.”
As Director of Bands, Brown will oversee ECCC’s marching band, concert band, pep band, and related ensembles; coordinate performances and campus events; manage band facilities, equipment, and budgets; award band scholarships; and work closely with enrollment management to recruit and retain student musicians. He will also teach applied music lessons and serve as an advisor to instrumental music and music education majors.
Anna Girling-Smith, Assistant Band Director
East Central Community College has announced the hiring of Anna Girling Smith as Assistant Band Director, adding an experienced and highly respected music educator to the College’s band program.
Smith brings a strong background in band instruction, percussion education, and ensemble performance, with experience at both the secondary and collegiate levels. She most recently served as Band Director at Sebastopol Attendance Center, where her bands earned consistent superior ratings at marching and concert festivals, including multiple appearances at the MHSAA State Marching Evaluation and state championship competitions.
A graduate of East Central Community College, Smith holds a Master of Music Education from William Carey University and a Bachelor of Music Education from Delta State University. Her connection to ECCC includes previous service as a percussion clinician for the College, as well as performance roles in campus productions and ensembles.
“Ms. Girling Smith is an outstanding addition to our band program and will make an immediate impact,” said Dr. Brent Gregory, President of ECCC. “She brings energy, experience, and a deep understanding of student development. As an alumna of East Central, she has a special appreciation for our mission and our students, and we are excited to see her work alongside our Mr. Brown to support instruction, performances, and recruitment efforts throughout our district.”
In her role as Assistant Band Director, Smith will assist with marching, concert, pep band, and ensemble rehearsals and performances, support recruitment and outreach efforts, and work closely with students to enhance musical growth and performance excellence. She will also contribute to applied instruction and campus events in collaboration with the Director of Bands.
Smith is actively involved in professional music organizations, including the Mississippi Bandmasters Association, the East Central Mississippi Band Directors Association—where she currently serves as Vice President—and the Percussive Arts Society. She was named the A.E. McClain Young Band Director of the Year in 2023 in recognition of her leadership and achievements.
