UA Appoints Dr. Ken Ozzello Director of Million Dollar Band

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – University of Alabama music professor Dr. Ken Ozzello, has been appointed director of the UA Million Dollar Band. Ozzello will succeed Kathryn Scott, who will step down from that position Jan. 8, 2003 after 19 years as director and 8 years as assistant director.

“With dedicated and enthusiastic direction, our Million Dollar Band has an unrivaled tradition of musical excellence and enjoys a stellar national reputation for showmanship. We are delighted that our incoming director is an individual who has been part of that tradition for 13 years. Dr. Kenneth B. Ozzello will take over the baton after having been director of bands at UA and serving as drill designer for Million Dollar Band half-time shows. He is an alumnus of the University whose experience as a conductor is widely known, and his dedication to the Million Dollar Band is unsurpassed. Anyone who knows Dr. Ozzello knows his heart is indeed crimson, and we look forward to his leadership of the Million Dollar Band,” said Dr. Robert F. Olin, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

The Million Dollar Band is part of the University Bands program in the College’s School of Music.

Ozzello joined UA in 1989 as assistant director of bands and associate professor of instrumental conducting and music education in the School of Music. In 1997 he was appointed director of bands, responsible for the management of all University Concert Bands’ financial affairs, staff, and activities. Crimson Tide football fans have seen Ozzello’s work as Million Dollar Band drill designer on the field on many Saturdays. He has also designed Crimson Tide half-time shows for nine Southeastern Conference Bowl games.

Comprised of 330 students, the Million Dollar Band is the largest student organization at UA. Under Scott’s leadership, the band became widely known for its colorful half-time presentations and has appeared on national television more often than any other college band. In 1992, Southern Living magazine selected it as one of the top 10 most outstanding bands in the South. Sports Illustrated magazine has listed
the band as one of the top three college bands in the nation. The band is currently in the finals for the prestigious Sudler Trophy, the only national collegiate award given by The Sousa Foundation to a university band that has a proven record of “excellence” for their marching band program.

“Replacing Kathryn Scott will certainly not be an easy task, but Ken’s experience as director of bands eminently qualifies him for this position. The Million Dollar Band has always been such a cornerstone of our University, and we in the department of intercollegiate athletics are grateful for all of Kathryn’s contributions to enhancing not only the band but the University,” said Mal Moore, UA director of athletics.

“I believe that it is important to maintain continuity with any team-related organization, and Ken is familiar with our traditions and style of performance. I feel that he will carry on many of Bama’s traditions, which is crucial to the Crimson Tide family, while also starting his own. He loves Alabama and has a strong relationship with the Alabama secondary school band directors, which is important to our recruiting. Ken has certainly been a part of my success as director. The director’s position is an honor, and I wish him nothing but the best as the baton is passed on,” said Scott.

By tradition, the name Million Dollar Band was bestowed upon UA’s marching band in 1922 by W. C. “Champ” Pickens, an Alabama alumnus and football manager. To raise funds to travel to the Georgia Tech game, the band solicited contributions from area merchants. They were so successful that Pickens dubbed the group the Million Dollar Band.

“It is truly an honor to be granted stewardship of the Million Dollar Band. My hope is to continue the tradition of excellence of this nationally recognized organization. And it is my desire to mentor our students as they pursue their education and prepare for life away from the Capstone,” said Ozzello.

Ozzello came to UA in 1989 from West Virginia University, Morgantown, W. Va., where he served as assistant director of bands. He holds a doctorate in education from The University of Alabama and bachelor of music and master of music degrees from West Virginia University. He has served as a guest conductor and band competition adjudicator for more than 50 colleges and competitions.

The College of Arts and Sciences is UA’s largest division with 350 faculty and 6,600 students in more than 25 departments and programs.