Mr. Robert Baxter III is a 2017 alumnus of Stillman College, who returned in the spring of 2022 as the first alumnus to lead the program. By the fall of 2022, he increased the band’s membership by 50+ students. Mr. Baxter has sought to rebuild the “Stillman Way”, which is “To do the best, Be the best, and Have the best.” His ultimate goal is to build a sustainable formula and model for the future of the Blue Pride Marching Band and all other ensembles. Mr. Baxter is a proud member of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity Inc., Alabama Music Educator’s Assn., and Ohio Music Educator’s Assn.

“To our fans and future fans, please join us as we embark on a musical journey to not only be the best, but exemplify what Blue Pride is meant to be!”

Mr. Eddie Fraction is proudly from Memphis, Tennessee, and is a 2007 graduate of University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Mr. Fraction has served as Assistant Director and Percussion Instructor for the band program since 2018. Mr. Fraction is not only vital to the band program, but to the Stillman community at large. He has served as an administrative assistant in several department and committees. He is a proud father, brother, mentor, and much more. Mr. Fraction strives for the highest daily, and encourages those around him to do the same. Mr. Fraction is a proud member of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity Inc. and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.

From Albany, Georgia and Stillman College, Assistant Director Christopher Hill has served in the capacity of an arranger for the band since the fall of 2019. Mr. Hill now serves as chief arranger, drill designer, and public relations/social media manager for the band program. He strives to help form and develop a unique sound and style, along with getting the best out of the musicians in the band room and in their everyday life.

Mr. Xavia Jackson, a 2017 graduate of University of Alabama and Dothan, Alabama native. He serves as the Director of Dance for Golden Perfection. He has held this position in the band program since the fall of 2019. Under his direction, the dance program has performed in London and participated in various campus and community events, including, but not limited to, the Stillman community. Additionally, Mr. Jackson serves as the Assistant Director of Student Engagement & Leadership and is a well-known pillar in the Stillman community. Mr. Jackson is also a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Inc.

Ms. Christian Laster, a 2023 graduate of Stillman College from Houston, Texas, serves as the auxiliary coach. Ms. Laster established B.T.V. (Blue Tigress Visuals) in the fall of 2021 as a student. She was the founding captain of BTV and a former captain for the dance line of the band, Golden Perfection. Additionally, Ms. Laster holds the position of Coordinator of Student Engagement & Activities at Stillman College, where she is dedicated to providing the best possible student experience to the Stillman community at large.