In recognition of his contributions to music education, Mr. Suggs was awarded the Maxine Swalin Outstanding Music Educator Award in 2008 given by the NC Symphony.
GREENSBORO, NC, April 03, 2024 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Jesse L. Suggs Jr. has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Mr. Suggs established a distinguished career in music education that spanned 45 years before retiring for the third time from Guilford County Schools in Greensboro, North Carolina in 2014. Since 2016 he has been serving as Conductor of the Advanced Orchestra of the Wake Forest Community Youth Orchestra founded by Dr. LaSaundra Booth, a former Principal cellist of the Ben L. Smith High School Orchestra directed by Mr. Suggs. There he also serves as Board Chair of WFCYO. Based in Wake Forest, North Carolina, this organization serves the needs of undeserved communities where orchestral programs are not available.
Mr. Suggs' journey into music education began when he started teaching band in LaGrange, North Carolina in January 1969. Driven by a desire to improve conditions for his students and to be an advocate for African American and minority populations, he transitioned to teaching strings in Greensboro, North Carolina when an opportunity arose.
Celebrating many years of success, Mr. Suggs founded and directed the Jamestown Middle School String Orchestra and the Northern Guilford Middle School String Orchestras. He was also Assistant Conductor of the Greensboro Symphony Youth Orchestra and Principal Bassist for the Greensboro Philharmonic and the Greensboro Civic Chamber Orchestra. He also played alto and tenor saxophones in the Greensboro Jazz Orchestra. Beyond his musical endeavors, Mr. Suggs owned RR Photo & Video from 1990 to 2011.
Mr. Suggs has achieved significant milestones throughout his career including establishing a state record for the longest performance by a string orchestra playing non-stop for 12 hours, 14 minutes and 29 seconds breaking their own previous record of 8 hours. Under the umbrella of Ben L. Smith High School and Jamestown Middle School, Mr. Suggs extended their musical ambassadorship over 65,892 miles including Atlanta, GA, Dallas, TX, San Antonio, TX, New Orleans, LA, Bahamas, Jamaica, Hawaii, Australia, and Singapore. Mr. Suggs competed in The National Adjudicators Invitational in Richmond, Virginia with the Jamestown Middle School String Orchestra performing their entire 14-minute program from memory which was a first for an orchestra at this festival. They received a Superior from all judges. Besides music and education, Mr. Suggs has been dedicated to fitness and bodybuilding, earning a IFBB Pro card at age 70 and winning an IFBB show in 2019.
In recognition of his contributions to music education, Mr. Suggs was awarded the Maxine Swalin Outstanding Music Educator Award in 2008 given by the NC Symphony, and 2014 Best Mannered Teacher Award given by The National League'of Junior Cotillions.
In preparation for his successful career, Mr. Suggs earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from North Carolina Central University. He was also active with industry-related organizations including the American String Teachers Association, and the North Carolina Music Educators Association, where he served as Chairperson of the Orchestra Section and Secretary-Treasurer, and Member-at-large. He attributes his success to his faith in God and his passion for his craft.
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