Jesse Holton received his Bachelor of Music degree from East Carolina University and his Master of Music degree from the University of Illinois. He was Director of the Jordan High School Bands in Durham, NC, for twenty-nine years, building the program from the beginning to one which received many "Superior" ratings in Grade VI music. From 1993 to 1999, Mr. Holton was Director of Bands at Githens Middle School in Durham. He also directed the Duke University Jazz Ensemble for three years. Mr. Holton has been President of the NC Central District Bandmasters Association. He has also received the Award of Excellence and Band Director of the Year Award from the Central District. In 1977, Mr. Holton founded the North Carolina Honors Band and was the guest conductor of the 2001 All-State Middle School Honors Band. In November of 2006, he was inducted into the NCBA Hall of Fame. Mr. Holton holds membership in Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and NAfME. He taught at the UNCG Summer Music Camp for many years. Presently, he is very involved with the youth and music programs at Triangle Presbyterian Church in Durham, NC.