Arthur Means

Arthur Means Jr (born August 8, 1936 in Birmingham; died June 12, 2024 in Birmingham) was the founding director of the Carver High School marching band, which he led from 1959 to 1995, and then went on to create the Miles College "Purple Marching Machine" program.

Means was the son of Arthur Means Sr and his wife, Josephine. He attended Lincoln Elementary School. His older sister introduced him to the trumpet, and he was tutored by W. W. Handy, nephew of W. C. Handy. He went on to Parker High School, where his training continued under Fess Whatley. His skill on the trumpet and his habit, learned from his father, of dressing smartly, gave him opportunities to earn money as a gig musician.

Means accepted a scholarship to attend Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. He earned the nickname "King Arthur" there for his demeanor and dress, and graduated with a bachelor's degree in music education. He continued to pursue higher education at Ohio State University, Kent State University, Otterbein University, and later UAB.

In 1959 Means accepted an offer to return to Birmingham as founding director of the music program at the newly-created Carver High School. He served as a role model and mentor for generations of students, many of whom went on to become musicians and band directors themselves.. He was active in the Music Educators' National Conference, the Alabama Music Educators' Association, the Alabama Band Association and the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and the Kappa Kappa Psi national honorary band fraternity.

Means married the former Dathia Lanier in 1972 and had two children. He worked nights at Southern Research Institute to help make ends meet, and served as a deacon at 16th Street Baptist Church.

After retiring from Birmingham City Schools, Means took on the challenge of rebuilding the marching band program at Miles College. He grew the program from 32 students in purple sweat suits his first year to a formidable unit 200-strong which marched in the 76th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2002.

The Arthur Means Fine Arts Complex at the new Carver High School was named in Means' honor in 2000. He attended a ceremony during which a plaque was dedicated there in 2018. The Arthur Means Jr Music Hall at Miles College was also named in his honor.

Means died in 2024. He was survived by his wife and children, and by two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He is buried at Patterson-Forest Grove Cemetery in Pleasant Grove.

References

• "Carver High School band director Arthur Means Jr. celebrated." (October 2, 2018) The Birmingham Times
• Bryant, Joseph D. (June 20, 2024) "Birmingham school music director who revived Miles College band dies at 87: ‘He had so much influence’." AL.com