Meet the Director

Julian Luke was born in Houston, Tx and attended Willowridge High School. There, he received his music education inspiration from his late band director Ronald B. Thornton. While at Willowridge he wrote his first arrangement by hand with the help of then student teacher Reanie Hughes. Upon graduation Mr. Luke attended Norfolk State University. 
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While at Norfolk State, Mr. Luke had the opportunity to be taught by legendary marching band arranger Paul I. Adams. Mr. Luke assumed many leadership roles such as section leader, jazz ensemble lead trumpet 3 years, Intercollegiate Music Association's (I.M.A) Annual Conference and Concert jazz ensemble lead trumpet 2 years, HBCU Band Directors Consortium jazz ensemble lead trumpet, and head student arranger just to name a few. While in College, he joined the Right On Band and continued with them until his graduation. While with the Right On Band Mr. Luke had the opportunity to travel to many different places including Mississippi, Minnesota, Washington D.C., Africa, and the Dominican Republic. In 2010 he left the Right On Band to pursue his teaching career in the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

In the Virgin Islands, Mr. Luke fully established a middle school band program at Elena Christian Jr. High School built on the values of leadership, teamwork, and musicianship. He also helped to construct the St. Croix Central High School Marching Carib Band. Mr.Luke became the high schools personal arranger which he still does to this day. After spending two years in the Virgin Islands, Mr. Luke was called back to Texas to continue his teaching career. 
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Mr. Luke spent 3 years in Beaumont, Tx. one at Willie Ray Smith as the Assistant Band Director and two years at Clifton J. Ozen High School where he was the Orchestra Director and Assistant Band Director. Under his direction, the Ozen orchestra was selected to participate in the southeast Texas honor orchestra, a 3rd chair region viola student, and a 3rd place Texas Orchestra Cello honor student.  As an Assistant Band Director Mr. Luke helped the Ozen band win first place at the Royal High School Battle of the Band, 1st Place Lamar University Homecoming parade, Excellent ratings at marching and stage UIL contest, and numerous UIL State Solo & Ensemble competition students. During this time Mr. Luke was also Assistant to High Brass and Staff Arranger for the Prairie View A&M Marching Storm.

Julian has also has experience in Drum Corp International (DCI) becoming a brass tech for Guardians Drum and Bugle Corp in 2017 and Brass Tech/Assistant Caption Head for Compass Drum and Bugle Corp in 2018.

Julian is currently working on his Masters in Music Education at Texas Tech University and Elated and proud to be a part of The “Great” James Madison High School where students and excellence in musicianship will continue to be his focus

Julian holds a Bachelors Degree in Music Education from Norfolk State University. His principal teachers includes Dr. Timmey Zachery (Yamaha Artist), Ricardo Brown, Paul I Adams, and Stanford Joines. Julian is a member of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity Inc., Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia of America, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.