Maestro Benjamin J. Butler, II, received his elementary and secondary education in the public schools of his native Pensacola, Florida. During his early years, he became intensely interested in music and began studying the clarinet at age nine. While in high school he performed many clarinet solos and won superior ratings at the State of Florida High School Band Festivals.
Maestro Butler received the Bachelor of Science degree in music education from Tennessee A & I State University in June, 1959. He was a member of the Marching and Concert bands under the direction of Frank T. Greer. While at A & I, he studied clarinet under the tutelage of Anceo M. Francisco and conducting with Dr. Edward C. Lewis. He is listed in the 1958-59 edition of “Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges.” In August, 1960 Maestro Butler received the Master of Music degree from the University of Michigan. During his stay at Michigan, he was a member of the internationally famous University of Michigan Marching and Symphonic bands under the direction of Dr. William D. Revelli, with whom he also studied conducting.
Returning to his Alma Mater in September, 1960, he was appointed Assistant Director of Bands and Instructor of Woodwind Instruments. He served in this capacity for nine years with his teacher, friend, and colleague, Frank T. Greer, who provided him with a wealth of experience and was a source of great inspiration. During this time, the Tennessee A & I State University Marching Band, “The Aristocrat of Bands, “became recognized as one of the finest bands in America. Further study includes Indiana University and the University of Oklahoma.
The Maestro came to Texas Southern University in July, 1969 as the Director of Bands. He was the founder and creative genius of the Texas Southern University “Ocean of Soul” Marching Band. Butler’s dedication to music and zeal for excellence were instrumental factors in his success in building the Texas Southern University “Ocean of Soul Marching Band” and structuring it to 200 - members. The “Ocean of Soul” Marching Band under Maestro Butler’s direction is credited with the sound of the 200 musicians, playing twenty or more different instruments, blending sound, precision and dance rhythms so unbelievable harmoniously; the results are awe-evoking.
Maestro Butler is also the recipient of numerous awards including: The Texas Legislative Black Caucus Award, Broadcast Music, Incorporation – Music In Sports Award, Proclamation from the City of Houston – Benjamin J. Butler, II Day, Who’s Who Among Black Americans, Personalities of the South, Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity – A. Frank Martin Award, Distinguished Black Leader, Texas Most Influential Person, Community Leader of America, International Who’s Who In Music and Musicians Directory, Community Music Center of Houston – Golden Note Award, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority – Outstanding Teacher Award, Texas Legislative Black Caucus – Outstanding Texas Award, February ’05 – “Living Legend” Award presented by TMEBC, April ‘05 – “Living Legend” Award presented by HBCUBC, April ’05 – Guest conductor, Tennessee State University Symphonic Band at the HBCUBC Convention, Atlanta, Georgia, April ’06 – Guest Conductor and Clinician for the All-Star Symphonic Band at the HBCUBC Convention, Atlanta, Georgia, April ’07 – Guest Conductor, Florida A&M Symphonic Band, HBCUBC Convention, Atlanta, Georgia.
The Maestro is affiliated with numerous organizations: Music Educators National Conference, College Band Directors National Association, Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, Texas Bandmasters Association, College Wind and Percussion Association, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
The Maestro retired from holds the Department of Music at Texas Southern University in 2014. He is presently the artistic director and Conductor of the Gulf Coast Concert Band which is one of the premiere bands in the Gulf Coast area. His fervent passion for music is, in itself, a guarantee that you will enjoy hearing bands perform under his baton. Maestro Butler is married to the exquisitely beautiful and talented Mary Ernestine Butler. They are the proud parents of one (1) son, Benjy, affectionately call “Three” (3).
Maestro Butler received the Bachelor of Science degree in music education from Tennessee A & I State University in June, 1959. He was a member of the Marching and Concert bands under the direction of Frank T. Greer. While at A & I, he studied clarinet under the tutelage of Anceo M. Francisco and conducting with Dr. Edward C. Lewis. He is listed in the 1958-59 edition of “Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges.” In August, 1960 Maestro Butler received the Master of Music degree from the University of Michigan. During his stay at Michigan, he was a member of the internationally famous University of Michigan Marching and Symphonic bands under the direction of Dr. William D. Revelli, with whom he also studied conducting.
Returning to his Alma Mater in September, 1960, he was appointed Assistant Director of Bands and Instructor of Woodwind Instruments. He served in this capacity for nine years with his teacher, friend, and colleague, Frank T. Greer, who provided him with a wealth of experience and was a source of great inspiration. During this time, the Tennessee A & I State University Marching Band, “The Aristocrat of Bands, “became recognized as one of the finest bands in America. Further study includes Indiana University and the University of Oklahoma.
The Maestro came to Texas Southern University in July, 1969 as the Director of Bands. He was the founder and creative genius of the Texas Southern University “Ocean of Soul” Marching Band. Butler’s dedication to music and zeal for excellence were instrumental factors in his success in building the Texas Southern University “Ocean of Soul Marching Band” and structuring it to 200 - members. The “Ocean of Soul” Marching Band under Maestro Butler’s direction is credited with the sound of the 200 musicians, playing twenty or more different instruments, blending sound, precision and dance rhythms so unbelievable harmoniously; the results are awe-evoking.
Maestro Butler is also the recipient of numerous awards including: The Texas Legislative Black Caucus Award, Broadcast Music, Incorporation – Music In Sports Award, Proclamation from the City of Houston – Benjamin J. Butler, II Day, Who’s Who Among Black Americans, Personalities of the South, Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity – A. Frank Martin Award, Distinguished Black Leader, Texas Most Influential Person, Community Leader of America, International Who’s Who In Music and Musicians Directory, Community Music Center of Houston – Golden Note Award, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority – Outstanding Teacher Award, Texas Legislative Black Caucus – Outstanding Texas Award, February ’05 – “Living Legend” Award presented by TMEBC, April ‘05 – “Living Legend” Award presented by HBCUBC, April ’05 – Guest conductor, Tennessee State University Symphonic Band at the HBCUBC Convention, Atlanta, Georgia, April ’06 – Guest Conductor and Clinician for the All-Star Symphonic Band at the HBCUBC Convention, Atlanta, Georgia, April ’07 – Guest Conductor, Florida A&M Symphonic Band, HBCUBC Convention, Atlanta, Georgia.
The Maestro is affiliated with numerous organizations: Music Educators National Conference, College Band Directors National Association, Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, Texas Bandmasters Association, College Wind and Percussion Association, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
The Maestro retired from holds the Department of Music at Texas Southern University in 2014. He is presently the artistic director and Conductor of the Gulf Coast Concert Band which is one of the premiere bands in the Gulf Coast area. His fervent passion for music is, in itself, a guarantee that you will enjoy hearing bands perform under his baton. Maestro Butler is married to the exquisitely beautiful and talented Mary Ernestine Butler. They are the proud parents of one (1) son, Benjy, affectionately call “Three” (3).