We, the students, alumni, staff, parents, and proud supporters of Elizabeth City State University’s Sound of Class Marching Band, are urgently calling for the reinstatement of Dr. Martin — a proven leader, visionary educator, and devoted builder of this program’s legacy.

For the past three years, Dr. Martin has served as Assistant Band Director, and most recently as Interim Director during the summer of 2025. During his tenure, he has not only shown consistent excellence — he has helped elevate the Sound of Class to new heights.

Under his leadership, the band has:

• Grown significantly in size and talent,
• Been recognized by larger organizations for its performance quality and sound,
• Regained structure, discipline, and student pride,
• Built renewed trust among alumni and the greater ECSU community,
• Successfully planned and prepared the upcoming season,
• Facilitated scholarships and communication with incoming students and their families, and
• Represented ECSU with professionalism in recruitment efforts across the region.

Despite his clear contributions and a demonstrated commitment to student success, Dr. Martin’s role and future with the program are now uncertain — with only two weeks before band camp begins.

This decision is not just disappointing — it is irresponsible and destabilizing.

Changing leadership this late in the summer threatens:

• The confidence of current band members,
• The structure of the staff who have been working alongside him,
• The engagement of alumni who reconnected under his leadership, and
• The overall momentum and direction of the Sound of Class Marching Band.

We demand that ECSU leadership:

• Immediately reevaluate the status and role of Dr. Martin,
• Provide transparency and accountability regarding the decision-making process, and
• Protect the legacy and future of the Sound of Class by honoring the leadership that has already shown results.
• This is not simply about preference — this is about stability, progress, and respect.

Dr. Martin has already done the work. He has earned his place.

The Sound of Class deserves consistency, not disruption.

Do the right thing. Reinstate Dr. Martin.

Sincerely,
Supporters of Dr. Martin and the Sound of Class Marching Band
Elizabeth City State University