Meet the Directors

Dr. Charlie J. Toomer Jr’s experience as a choral director spans over twenty years. He has worked in both the public and private sectors of schools, with most of his experience in the collegiate realm. He is currently the Director of Choral Studies at Claflin University in Orangeburg, SC. 

With his extensive musical background, he effectively builds and manages successful choral programs. He has a history of implementing strategic recruiting practices that lead to the growth of choral departments under his tutelage. By immersing himself in all communities, whether rural, suburban or urban, he has been fortunate to recruit vocalists nationwide. 

Dr. Toomer’s time in the university system includes an appointment as Director of The Edward Waters College Concert Choir in Jacksonville, FL. Under his leadership the Concert Choir captivated crowds with artful and skillful musical performances that transcended generations. His focus on family first is why his students know him to be more than just a director; always compassionately disseminating advice for his pupils on life and careers. His other collegiate appointment was spent as an Adjunct/Assistant Professor at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, FL. While serving as Director of Choral Activities, he built partnerships with neighboring public schools, by hosting workshops, directing master classes, adjudicating District and State festivals and working to enhance student’s appreciation of choral music. 

In the public sector, Dr. Toomer served as Choir Director for the Manatee School for the Arts in Palmetto, FL. He was also Choir Director at William Raines High School and First Coast High School, both in Jacksonville, FL. He currently serves as Director of Music at Woodlawn Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville. 

Among his accomplishments, Dr. Toomer is proud to have served as the 2007 All-State Director for High School Men’s Chorus in Florida. While at FAMU, his Concert Choir performed at the Florida Music Educators National Conference, now the National Association for Music Education in Tampa, FL. His students were also invited to perform in Anchorage, Alaska for BP and Exxon Mobile, and in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for the 65th Birthday Celebration of Bob Marley. 

Dr. Toomer holds a Ph.D. in Choral Conducting / Music Education and a Master of Music in Choral Conducting performance, both from Florida State University. His Bachelor of Science degree is in Music Education from Florida A&M University. Dr. Toomer is a member of the American Choral Director’s Association (ACDA), National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America, and Kappa, Kappa Psi, National Honorary Band Fraternity

Thurman Hollins is a native of Conway, South Carolina. He completed his Bachelors of Music Education degree at Norfolk State University and Masters in Music Education at Winthrop University. He recently began further studies at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. 

With over 30 years of music related experience, and 21 years as an instructor, Mr. Hollins’ music teaching experiences include holding positions as Director of Bands at: Highland Springs High School (Richmond, Virginia), Wilson Middle School (Charlotte, North Carolina), and Johnson C. Smith University (Charlotte, NC), Saint Augustine’s University (Raleigh, NC), and North Carolina Central University (Durham, NC).Mr. Hollins is also the author of the Diary of a Mad Band Director Series, which is a memoir and operational manual for current and future arts educators.

Mr. Hollins has served as guest clinician  and adjudicator for many organizations throughout the United States. Mr. Hollins has served as a member of the National Education Association, the National Association for Music Education, HBCU National Band Director’s Consortium, and serves on the board for the Intercollegiate Music Association.. He is also a member of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, Golden Key Honor Society, Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society, and Spartan Alpha Tau Honor Society.