Stephanie K. Sanders is an assistant professor of music, the associate director of the very popular Spartan Legion Band and the Norfolk State Jazz Ensemble.
by B. Marie Johnson
This Spartan Spotlight shines on someone well known in the Fine Arts building. She is an assistant professor of music, the associate director of the very popular Spartan Legion Band and the Norfolk State Jazz Ensemble. She obtained her Bachelors Degree in Music Education from Jackson State University and received her Master’s Degree in Music Performance on the Bassoon from the University of Houston.
“When I first encountered her, she was a real down to earth person, but she didn’t take any bull from anybody,” said senior Music Education major John Hill, better known as Mr. Spartan, the head drum major for the marching band. “She is passionate about her job and every single band student that comes out of the program. The best advice she gave me is to not be complacent in where you are because there is always someone better than you and there is always someone who is competing to get your spot.”
When Sanders was in the 4th grade her mother purchased her a piano, which she still has to this day, and that began her love for music. She has always been surrounded by music. Her mother played clarinet in a band. Also, Sanders always knew that music was her passion and eventually would become her lively hood.
“The reason why I came to Norfolk State was because Mr. Paul I. Adams was the Director of Bands here at the school,” Sanders said. “He was also my band director when I attended Jackson State University.”
Aaron Britt, a senior music media major and also one of the Spartan Legion arrangers said “I’ve known Ms. Sanders since 2013. Ms. Sanders is a stern woman. She means what she says, but with very good intentions. Ms. Sanders, I appreciate you for putting up with everything that I have ever put you through, and I also thank you for making me a better man within the years that I have been here at Norfolk State University.”
Ms. Sanders is not just a professor, she’s a mentor as well. She helps students become better women and men within the Spartan Legion and afterwards. She carries herself as the Ideal Spartan: loving, encouraging, and pushing her students to their best potential.
Spartan Echo 