by Lauren Vogel Weiss

Dr. Sherman Hong, Professor Emeritus at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, died on January 27, 2025 at age 83.

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Sherman Hong,” stated Dr. John Wooton, who replaced Hong as the Professor of Percussion at USM in 1992.

 Hong was born on April 6, 1941 in Greenville, Mississippi during segregation, and grew up in a multi-ethnic neighborhood on the Mississippi delta, according to a lecture he gave at Mississippi Humanities. He attended “white” public schools as soon as it was allowed in his hometown.

According to his NAMM Oral History (www.namm.org/library/oral-history/dr-sherman-hong), Hong was encouraged by several music teachers to play percussion. In fifth grade, he learned how to play drums using the Belwin band method series, but it wasn’t until junior high school that his affinity for making music was established.

As Hong said in his NAMM interview, “I want to credit my junior high band director with really motivating me. I remember he said, ‘I bet you can’t listen to all nine Beethoven symphonies, or “The Rite of Spring” by Stravinsk’y. Of course, as a kid, you’re going to take that dare and I did, and soon became interested in classical music.” Hong was involved with various Mississippi Band Clinics and participated in the Lions All-State band for three years in a row.

After receiving degrees from USM and Northwestern University, Hong embarked on a long career in music, teaching percussion at USM for 27 years (1965–92), followed by more years teaching music education and coordinating student teachers. Through his extensive career, he also played a vital role as a judge for Drum Corps International (DCI), encouraging the organization to add such categories as musicianship and musicality. He presented percussion clinics throughout the Southeastern United States, and he judged marching bands and drum corps in that region, as well as in Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania.

“I first encountered Sherman in the early 1980s, while marching with the Phantom Regiment,” remembers Wooton. “His distinctive Southern drawl, a rarity in the drum corps world, was instantly recognizable from his judging tapes. I was introduced to him in person by the esteemed, and often critical, Marty Hurley, and meeting Sherman in person was a memorable experience. The contrast between the expected Southern gentleman and Dr. Hong’s appearance was striking, and it was clear that Marty held him in the highest regard.

 “Twelve years later,” Wooton continues, “while I was completing my doctorate at the University of Iowa, Dr. Hong encouraged me to apply for the position he was leaving at the University of Southern Mississippi. He envisioned a role supporting both the drum line and percussion studio, a vision I ultimately fulfilled. As only the second percussion professor in the department’s history, I’ve had the privilege of continuing his legacy.

“Dr. Hong was a prolific writer, contributing numerous articles to esteemed publications like Percussive Notes and The Instrumentalist,” adds Wooton. “His insightful guidance on doctoral committees was invaluable. The profound respect his former students held for him — mirroring the esteem Marty Hurley showed him years ago — speaks volumes about his impact.”

Hong published over 40 articles throughout his career and served as the Collegiate Advisor for the Mississippi Music Educators Association. He played professionally with the Mississippi Symphony, the Joffrey Ballet, the Mississippi Opera, the Mobile (Alabama) Symphony, Mobile Opera, and Mobile Ballet. Hong also served as the director of the Gulf Coast Wind Symphony, and he was one of the founding members of the City of Hattiesburg Concert Band.

Hong’s drum corps influence went beyond judging. “Sherman was a great mentor and advisor to me during my early years as a drum instructor in the Open Class scene,” remembered Patrick Seidling, Corps Director for the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps in Concord, California, in a recent Facebook post. “He was truly ‘student centered’ in all he did. I think of him with great admiration and fondness.”

James A. Strain, Professor of Percussion at Northern Michigan University and PAS Historian, recalled his early years as an instructor in another Facebook post: “Sherman was a truly wonderful individual who welcomed me to the Mississippi percussion and college teaching community during the first decade of my teaching career at Northwest Mississippi Junior College. I always valued his insights, both published and in the many conversations we had over those years in the 1980s, as I started my teaching career. His support via the Mississippi PAS Chapter helped all of us grow at that time. I will always remember him and his advice so very fondly.”

Ray Fransen, owner of Ray Fransen’s Drum Center in Kenner, Louisiana, also wrote on Facebook: “Sherman was a formidable teacher and a great influence on the percussive arts. Through happenstance, I was able to spend some considerable time in conversations with him at several PASICs. His insights and wry humor have stuck with me through the years.”

John H. Beck, PAS Past President, states, “Sherman Hong was one of the early percussion instructors whose knowledge helped give the Percussive Arts Society a strong platform to communicate percussion education. He will be missed, but never forgotten.”

Kyle Hill, one of Dr. Hong’s most accomplished students, spearheaded the establishment of the Dr. Sherman and Mildred Hong Scholarship Endowment at USM, a fitting tribute to his legacy. This scholarship, awarded to exceptional percussion music education majors, will continue to honor his memory for generations to come. To donate, visit www.usmfoundation.com

“Once in a lifetime, you cross paths with someone who mentors you, has a lasting impact on your career as well as your personal life, and becomes a lifelong friend,” shares Hill, President at the Mississippi Fire Chiefs Association. “Dr. Sherman Hong became my professor when I transferred to USM in 1985, and we quickly made a connection. He had an impact on so many, and he was loved and treasured by all who knew him. To the man we called ‘Doc,’ we love you and were glad you were there for us. I will truly miss my mentor and friend.”

Wooton adds, “We will deeply miss Dr. Hong. His contributions to music education and the lives of countless students will forever be remembered. Rest in Peace, Sherman.”