More than a band

Meet the director

Cedric J. Sermons

Cedric J. Sermons is a music educator, conductor, arranger, low brass clinician, and private lesson instructor. A native of Winter Haven, Florida, he began playing trombone in seventh grade and built his career around musicianship, leadership, and student growth.

At Lake Region High School, he performed in symphonic and jazz ensembles, district and state honor bands, district honors orchestra, the Florida State University Tri-State Band Festival, and the Tri-M Music Honor Society.

At Florida A&M University, he became a member and section leader of the Incomparable “Marching 100.” His performances included Super Bowl XLI with Prince, the Super Bowl XLIV pregame show, the 18th ESPY Awards, and President Barack Obama’s Presidential Inauguration Parade. He also performed with the FAMU Wind Ensemble at the Florida Music Education Association Annual Conference and the American Bandmasters Association Conference. As a member of FAMU’s top Jazz Ensemble, he was part of a first-place performance at the Crescent City Music Jazz Festival.

As an educator and clinician, Mr. Sermons has helped student musicians and high school programs earn Superior ratings. He has served as Assistant Director and Arranger for the Webber International University Band and Assistant Director of the Marching Wolverine Band, and has taught AP Music Theory, Percussion Techniques, Beginning Guitar, and private low brass.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Florida A&M University, graduating Summa Cum Laude. He remains active with the FAMU “Marching 100” Alumni Association, FMEA, FBA, NAfME, NEA, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, where he previously served as chapter president.

Mr. Sermons is also a United States Navy veteran who served as a Master-at-Arms. His goal is to develop more than talented musicians: through discipline, high expectations, mentorship, and performance, he helps students build confidence, character, leadership, and work ethic.