The Directors
Aaron J. Campbell, Interim Director of Bands
Aaron J. Campbell serves as Interim Director of Bands at North Carolina A&T State University, where he provides artistic and administrative leadership for the university band program, including the internationally recognized Blue & Gold Marching Machine. A respected educator and arranger, he oversees all aspects of the band program while continuing to shape its musical identity through innovative programming and original arrangements.
A proud alumnus of North Carolina A&T State University, Campbell earned a Bachelor of Music in Electronic Music before completing a Master of Music in Music Education at East Carolina University. His connection to the university spans more than 25 years as an arranger, during which he has helped define the distinctive sound, tradition, and musical excellence associated with Aggie bands.
Prior to his appointment as Interim Director, Campbell served as Assistant Director of Bands and Chief Arranger at North Carolina A&T. His career also includes service as Director of Bands at Neal Middle School in Durham, North Carolina, and Oak Ridge Military Academy in Oak Ridge, North Carolina. In addition to his work as an educator, he is a sought-after adjudicator, clinician, composer, and arranger whose original music and arrangements have been performed by high school and collegiate bands throughout North Carolina and across the United States.
Campbell holds membership in Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America, and Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority.
Thomas G. Warner, Jr., Assistant Director of Bands/Music Lecturer
Thomas G. Warner, Jr. is the Assistant Director of Bands at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, where he manages wind band pedagogy and teaches in the College of Humanities Arts and Sciences. He assists the Director of Bands with university band program administration and supervises music for ensembles like the University Marching Band, Symphonic Band, and Brass Choirs. Mr. Warner is also involved in recruiting, band logistics, and implementing national music education standards.
A native of Atlanta, Mr. Warner holds a BA in Music from Morris Brown College and an MA in Music Education from Florida State University. He is pursuing a Ph.D. in Music Education at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Mr. Warner’s career includes roles as a music educator and band director at various schools, including South Carolina State University and Clark Atlanta University. As an experienced clinician and adjudicator, Warner is affiliated with many music organizations such as the HBCU National Band Directors' Consortium, where he served as President, as well as The College Music Society, National Association for Music Educators, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America, and Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity. Other professional memberships include Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Prince Hall Masonry Derwin Brown Lodge #599, John L. Martin Consistory 367A, and Al-Karim Temple #242 of The Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.
Christopher J. Hayes, Assistant Director of Bands-Low Brass
Christopher J. Hayes is an accomplished Trombonist, Educator, and Arranger, currently serving as the Assistant Director of Bands for North Carolina A&T State University's Blue and Gold Marching Machine. With extensive experience as a band director at Thomasville, Hillside, and Dudley High Schools, as well as James Martin and Western Guilford Middle Schools, Mr. Hayes has established a reputation for leading top-tier programs and developing musically proficient students. He also teaches as an adjunct Low Brass Instructor at Guilford College and Virginia State University and offers private lessons through the University of North Carolina School of the Arts' Community Music School.
As a Professional Trombonist, Mr. Hayes has performed with notable groups such as the Greensboro Big Band, the Salisbury and Danville Symphony Orchestras, the Camel City Jazz Orchestra, and many others. He holds a Master of Music in Trombone from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from North Carolina A&T State University. Known for his commitment to musical excellence, Mr. Hayes has garnered numerous awards and accolades, including directing championship-winning marching bands and leading his students to regional and national success.
Dr. Donte Robinson, Assistant Director of Bands-Woodwinds
Donte Robinson is an Assistant Director of Bands at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, where he manages and specializes in teaching woodwinds. He assists the Director of Bands with program administration, teaching halftime field shows. He will also help manage and supervise musical ensembles such as the University Marching Band, Symphonic Band, and Wood Wind Choirs. Dr. Robinson is also involved in recruitment efforts and leadership discussions/training.
Dr. Robinson is a native of Charlotte, NC. He holds a BA in Music from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, a Master of Music Education from Tarleton State University, and EdD in Performance Improvement Leadership from Capella University. Dr. Robinson has taught in the field of music education for 12 years. He has served as the director of bands at Hairston Middle School, Greensboro, NC, Franklin High School, Franklin, VA, JPK Middle School, Franklin, VA, and Ben L. Smith High School, Greensboro, NC. He also serves as a soldier musician in the United States Army Reserves. Dr. Robinson is a member of the Iota Zeta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Band Fraternity, The National Society of Leadership and Success, Climax Lodge #832 Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masons, Kappa Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Alpha Kappa Theta Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education, and Salute Honor Society.
