Mr. Julius Barkley's first rehearsal in June, 2006 ended a twenty-one year hiatus as a director of a band.  Four rehearsals later and it was his first concert in twenty-one years.  Prior to his exodus from directing bands he had served as the Director of Bands at Bessemer City Jr. and Sr. High Schools for ten years (1975-1985).  In 1985 he began his public school career in administration.  He is currently retired as Principal of Belmont Central Elementary.

     His focus is to make the time that we spend together enjoyable.  Participation in a music group is a unique situation that allows for people with different individual gifts to contribute every millisecond to the product of the whole.  He quotes John Ruskin in that "Fine art is that in which the hand, the head, and the heart of man go together."   We will work toward excellence, but the fulfillment of the inner drive that makes us musicians is the area that he hopes to satisfy.