The father of Southern Arkansas University’s band program, Richard Owen Oliver, became the first band director at Magnolia A&M College, now SAU, in 1948. Over the next 23 years, he shared his love of music and knowledge of technical skills with a generation of students, bringing recognition to the SAU band program. Today the Oliver tradition continues with one of the best collegiate bands in Arkansas. A $2.1 million band hall completed in 2008 provides a state-of-the-art teaching facility, including much-needed space and multiple rehearsal halls so that the program can continue to develop.
To recognize his place in SAU band history, we would like to name the new facility the Richard Oliver Band Hall, giving his name a permanent presence on the SAU campus. As part of the naming process, we propose to establish the Richard Oliver Band Endowment which will provide perpetual funds to enrich the band program. Visit The SAU Foundation website for more information.
