One O'Clock Lab Band's first African American member returns to campus

Billy Harper ('65) (Photo by Gary Payne)The College of Music welcomed alumnus Billy Harper ('65) for a weeklong residency in February. Harper was the first African American to earn a spot in the One O'Clock Lab Band, in 1964.

He worked with the One O'Clock members and other students, gave a short performance and talked about his career path and what he looks for in working with other jazz musicians. He says it's important for professionals to come back to UNT and work with students to reinforce the work professors are doing.

"I think it means a lot to these students that I used to go to school here and now I'm working as a professional in New York," he says.

 

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