ENROLLED
2019 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 281
BY REPRESENTATIVE JEFFERSON
A RESOLUTION
To commend Dr. Nikole Roebuck for her outstanding service as Chair of the Department of
Music and Director of Bands at Grambling State University.
WHEREAS, a native of Minden, Louisiana, Nikole Roebuck is a 2001 graduate of
Grambling State University's music education program; in 2005, she received a master of
music degree from the University of Louisiana at Monroe; and in 2009, received a doctor
of philosophy in music education from the University of Memphis; and
WHEREAS, while earning her degree at Grambling State University, she met her
husband, Esonyo Roebuck, became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated,
and served as a member and student leader of the Grambling State University Marching
Tigers; and
WHEREAS, spending every summer at band camp since the age of four, Nikole
Roebuck's passion for music has been there from the beginning, and she always knew she
wanted to be a member of a band; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Roebuck's extensive career in music includes training musicians at
every level from the elementary grades to the graduate level, and many of her students have
gone on to careers as educators, musical directors, and international recording artists; and
WHEREAS, her work in the classroom includes instructing students at Grambling
State University for more than twelve years in coursework including music education,
history, and applied instrumentation; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Roebuck's work includes performances for Beyoncé, Adidas, the
National Basketball Association, and numerous national brands; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Nikole Roebuck holds the distinction of being the first woman
Director of Bands at Grambling State University and is a second-generation leader of the
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world-famous band, following in the footsteps of her uncle and fellow alumnus, Dr. Joseph
"Doc" Miller, who served as assistant director of bands from 1980 to 1989; and
WHEREAS, in addition, Dr. Roebuck holds the special distinction of being only the
second woman band director in the history of the Southwestern Athletic Conference and the
third in the history of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); and
WHEREAS, Dr. Roebuck believes that "music is like a puzzle" and enjoys sharing
with her students the practice of deconstructing and rebuilding arrangements to create a
musical masterpiece; and
WHEREAS, through the sharing of her love of music, Dr. Roebuck has touched the
lives of more than fifty thousand students and countless fans worldwide, and under her
guidance, the membership of the marching band at Grambling State University has grown
by over twenty-five percent; and
WHEREAS, she has directed in twelve consecutive Bayou Classics and currently
leads a team of seventeen professors and employees in the Department of Music at the
university; and
WHEREAS, in addition to her vast experience and accomplishments at Grambling
State University, Dr. Roebuck has served as a member of numerous professional
organizations including the Louisiana Music Educators Association, the Louisiana
Bandmasters Association, the National Education Association, Tau Beta Sigma Honorary
Band Sorority, and the National Association for Music Education; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Roebuck has also been the recipient of many awards and
acknowledgments, including an award for outstanding commitment and dedication from
Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, Teacher of the Year from Arcadia
High School, Martin Luther King Jr. Achievement Leadership Award from Arcadia High
School, and a proclamation from the city of Arcadia; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Roebuck is a widely respected and valued member of the Grambling
State University family and as stated by President Rick Gallot, "Dr. Roebuck has proven to
be one of our most committed and humble leaders" and "she is a gift to our students, our
community, and all who support the worldwide sound of Grambling"; and
WHEREAS, it is only appropriate that a special measure of commendation be
extended to Dr. Nikole Roebuck, a phenomenal talent and treasure who serves as an
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inspiration to the countless students, musicians, colleagues, friends, relatives, and citizens
whose lives she has touched.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby commend Dr. Nikole Roebuck, Chair of the
Department of Music and Director of Bands at Grambling State University; does hereby
recognize and record for posterity her outstanding accomplishments and singular
contributions as the department chair and band leader; does hereby express to this
outstanding musician and innovator gratitude for the pride and honor that she brings to
Grambling State University and to the state of Louisiana; and does hereby extend to her very
best wishes for continued success and happiness.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to
Dr. Nikole Roebuck.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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