JAMES "CHIEF" WILSON
Mr. James W. Wilson taught his entire career at Jones High School from 1950 until his retirement in 1990,
with the exception of one semester at Evans High School. His first instrument was the tuba, which he was so eager to play
that he cried for the opportunity. Mr. Wilson attended Crooms Academy in Sanford in 1946, where his Band Director was George
H. Hill. Dr. William P. Foster was his most influential professor at Florida A&M University, where he completed his music
degree. While interning at FAMU High under Dr. Effie C. Gear, Mr. Wilson especially enjoyed accompanying the band to the state
festival in Tampa.
Some of his most memorable experiences while teaching at Jones High School include taking the band to the
New York World's Fair in 1964, to the Knoxville World's Fair in 1982 and to the bi-centennial celebrations in Washington D.C.
in, 1976 and 1987. He very much enjoyed taking bands out of state, a first time experience for most of the students in his
band, and in preparing hundreds of young people for scholarships to colleges and universities.
Mr. Wilson is a member of the Florida Music Educators Association Hall of Fame, a 2001 inductee into the
Florida Bandmasters Association Hall of Fame, served as President of the Florida Association of Band Directors from 1960-1966,
and president of the Florida Bandmasters Association from 1974-1975. His bands were invited to perform at several functions
for President Lyndon during his visits to Orlando.
Although retired for 14 years, Mr. Wilson still finds time to conduct a "Director's Dream Band" of his former
students from Jones High School. This alumni band is comprised of former students he taught during his 40 plus year tenure,
including students from his first band in 1950. Those regularly participating in the "Dream Band" include grandparents, doctors,
lawyers, band directors, teachers, retirees, social workers...you name it. The list of his favorite band works include: William
Tell Overture, 1812 Overture, Finlandia, The New World Symphony, and Light Calvory Overture.
Mr. Wilson credits the following for being the most influential in his career: George H. Hill, William P.
Foster, William Penn, L. Allen Pyke, Kernaa McFarlin, Thomas J. Simpson, Raymond Sheppard, L.A. Kirksey, Reid Poole, Richard
Bowles, Joe Kreines, and John Heney.
Even in retirement, "Chief" continues his active lifestyle and committment to serving the community. Mr.
Wilson has served on the Board of Directors for the Central Florida Educators Federal Credit Union for 32 years, and on the
Board of the Orange County Retired Educators Association. He has been recognized statewide for his many achievements by various
churches, schools, students, and local organizations.
In 2002, Mr. Wilson was honored with the Zora Neale Hurston Festival Gala Award as well as by the Daughters
of the American Revolution, Ribault High School Band of Jacksonville, Florida, the Jones High School Class of 1982, and most
recently, as one of 25 "Champions of Sustainability" for 25 years of community leadership. He was also acknowledged by the
Orange County Board with the auditorium at Jones High School named in his honor.
It is with great pride that the Band Faculty of the Orange County Public Schools hoonrs Mr. James Wilson
as the first recipient of the OCPS All-County Band "Legends" Award. He has been, and is, an inspiration to us all.
