Program History

The Pearl Band program was initially established as part of the Pearl-McLaurin School District under the leadership of Les Johnson and Carl Cooper in the 1960s. Mr. Porter Burke then followed for 10 years and with the assistance of Deloris Parker, Naz Rhodes, Charlie Wicker, James Townsend, David Nicholson, and Sue Nicholson, established a culture of success that still exists today.

After Mr. Burke retired in 1979, David Nicholson assumed the role of Director of Bands and with the assistance of Sue Nicholson, Steve Barnett, Larry Gooch, and Ted Ammon, guided the Pearl Band to continued success in both concert and marching events. During this time the Pearl Band earned finalist positions at multiple Bands of America Regional championships from 1979-1983 and became a consistent finalist and superior rated band at all events attended.

Ted Burns then continued this tradition of excellence when he was hired in 1985. With the assistance of Eddie Steadman, Sue Nicholson, Jeff Cannon, Marc Johnson, Nola Jones, Judy Dodson, Joy Leming, and Jason Harrell, the Pearl Band continued to be successful in all areas of performance. Most notably, the band earned a BOA Grand Nationals Finalist position in 1986 as well as an invitation to perform in the 1999 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the 2001 Presidential Inaugural Parade.

Upon Mr. Burns’ retirement in 2007, Jeff Cannon assumed the role of Director of Bands. With the help of Greg Springer, Aimee Sudduth, Matt Little, Jason Harrell, and Matt Rowan, the Pearl Band continued to achieve success earning the first Sweepstakes Award for superior ratings in Mississippi, winning multiple State Marching Band Championships, and performing at the University of Southern Mississippi Conductor’s Conference in 2008.

After Mr. Cannon’s retirement in 2013, Matt Rowan became Director of Bands and with the help of Matthew Pickering, Nicole Allen, Aimee Sudduth, Matt Little, Jason Harrell, Kragen Lewis, and Dakota Kelso the Pearl Band has been fortunate to continue its successes in all areas. The band has been a consistent finalist at marching events, performed in the National Cherry Blossom Parade and has earned the MHSAA Sweepstakes Award each year since its inception.

Without the cherished support of the Pearl Public School District School Board, Administration, band members, parents, band staff, and the Pearl community, none of these successes and memories could have been made possible. The Pearl Band program is thankful that the same support continues to the present day.