The Members of the Excelsior Band come from diverse occupational background and all are highly touted in the Mobile area for their many years of musical contributions throughout the city.
Hosea London, leader and manager of the Excelsior Band, is a graduate of Mississippi Valley State University with a B. S. in Music Education. He pursued additional studies at Delta State University. Mr. London retired from the Alabama Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation and the Moss Point (MS) School System as a band teacher. He has taught private music lessons in Mobile and Huntsville, AL, grant programs in Pensacola, FL and the Memphis (TN) City School System. He is currently the music director for The Jazz Studio, a bi-weekly program teaching and exposing youth to jazz from the Greater Mobile area. Hosea’s total existence is related to his love for music. He has played along the Gulf Coast and Southeast United States. He has been a member consistently since 1975.
Theodore Arthur, plays the tenor, alto and soprano saxophones and shares a wealth of experience and expertise with the band. Theodore attended Florida A& M University before leaving to travel the world with Bobby Blue Bland and B. B. King. Theodore is renown throughout the Gulf Coast for this one-man band show, which displays his artistry as a versatile saxophonist and vocalist.
Charles Hall, is a graduate of Jackson State University majoring in Music Education. He pursued additional studies at the University of South Alabama, Springhill College and Alabama State University. Charles is a former band director and later pursued employment in private industry. He is a founding member of the Mobile Symphonic Pops Band, serving as tuba section leader. He has performed with the Dauphin Way Baptist Church Orchestra for several years; performed with Guy Lombardo Band. He is currently employed with Prichard Housing Authority. Charles began his career with the Excelsior Band in 1967. After a hiatus, he returned to the band after death of the legendary E. B. Coleman.
Leon Rhoden, keeps the Excelsior Band moving with the distinguishing rat-a tat-tat of the snare drum. Leon plays throughout the city with various performers. He is the drummer with the E. B. Coleman Orchestra and the C. T. Jazz Ensemble. He also plays the drum set with the Excelsior Band for sit-down performances. Leon is employed by the Mobile County Public School System.
James Moore, is a native Mobilian, a graduate of Mobile County Training School and Michigan State University. James lived in the state of Michigan for many years before retiring from General Motors and returning to Mobile. James plays soprano sax with the Excelsior Band and also performs as a solo act and disc jockey for various special events.
Carl Cunningham Jr., is a received his undergraduate degree from Jackson State University in Urban Studies, Master’s in Geography and Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration, from the University of Southern Mississippi. Carl began to play the trombone in 5th grade. Carl continued his musical talent at Jackson State University where he was a member of the famous Jackson State University Sonic Boom of the South, Jazz Band, and the Symphonic Band. Carl is currently the Director of Student Support Services at Faulkner State Community College. Carl is an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Danny Mosley, is a smooth classical/jazz trumpeter. At a young age he helped mold beginner musicians in Mobile County as a mentor with the Music & Me Program. Danny is a 1994 graduate of C.F. Vigor High School and carried on his love of music by marching with The Mighty Wolfpack Band. He is a graduate of Jackson State University. While at JSU he performed in various music ensembles including Jazz Band 2, Symphonic Band, Brass Ensemble and the world renowned Sonic Boom of the South. He has performed with various gospel artists, jazz musicians and the E.B. Coleman Orchestra. He is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Danny is a Territory Manager with Hill's Pet Nutrition and has been with the Excelsior Band since 2000.
Luquen Cannon, more info coming soon.
Leroy Bosby Jr., is a graduate of Central High School. He joined the Excelsior Band member in 1969. He is a former member of the E. B. Coleman Orchestra and Innovation Band. He has worked for Cornerstone Chemical (former American Cyanamid/Cytec) for over 39 years. He returns to Mobile to perform with the marching band. He performs with the Excelsior marching band playing the trumpet.