Gray hired as UNA director of bands

FLORENCE — Joseph Gray has been named the next director of bands for the University of North Alabama.

He will also serve as an associate professor of music.

Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs Brien Smith touted Gray’s familiarity with UNA’s band program, students and marching band as one of the criteria that made him the right fit for the position.

Gray previously served as associate director of bands at UNA from 2019 to 2025. His specialty is trumpet. He worked as an assistant professor of trumpet at Mississippi State University from 2025 to now.

“[Gray] brings a wealth of knowledge about music as well as the Marching Pride,” Smith said. “He has a long history of professional and teaching experience that make him the right fit.”

Gray’s degrees are from California State University in Long Beach, California, the University of New Mexico and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

He will begin his new role with UNA on May 1.

“I’m honored to return to the University of North Alabama as director of bands,” Gray said. “I am excited to come into this new role and build on the legacy of the band program established by the (Lloyd) Jones family.”

Gray will lead the Marching Pride as well as the university’s concert and jazz bands.

Ryan Zayac, dean of the College of Arts, Sciences and Engineering, said Gray’s familiarity with the role will make for a smooth transition.

“Given his familiarity with UNA, our band and music programs and the local high schools that are so important to our recruitment efforts, Dr. Gray will be able to transitions smoothly into the role, collaborate with our faculty and quickly begin advancing the success of our students,” he said. “The Marching Pride and UNA’s band program is among the best in the nation, and we believe in Dr. Gray’s ability to lead it well into the future.”