Dominic J'Rael Hunter, 36, of Fayetteville, is the director of bands at Douglas Byrd High School and is signed to IGBB Records and SLRMedia.
He was nominated for 40 Under 40 because "I am the mother of one of Mr. Hunter's band members. I am nominating and have seen firsthand how his dedication and professionalism have impacted the lives of his students and band members," nominator Angela Williams writes. "In 2022, the band lost one of its members to cancer. This was a tough time for students, the band, and the school as a whole. A few months before the student's passing, Mr. Hunter, in collaboration with the family and the medical staff, travels with the band for a heartwarming performance at the hospital. Mr. Hunter is highly dedicated in his commitment to the band members; he teaches leadership, discipline, responsibility, and accountability, skills critical for these young people's futures."
Here's what else you should know about this member of The Fayetteville Observer's 40 Under 40 Class of 2024.
Who are your immediate family members?
My wife, Jazmine Hunter; my son, Aayden-Tyler Hunter; and my daughter, Torrie Hunter
What does your job entail?
Director of bands: Running the band programs for the high school, jazz band, pep band, marching band and concert band. As a director, I'm responsible for the education of the students in band such as playing ability and reading music. I also organize all performances, shows, competitions and trips.
Professional musician: Perform saxophone in various settings such as weddings, concerts, parties, festivals etc.
Where did you receive your education?
E.E. Smith High School and Fayetteville State University.
What community and professional groups are you affiliated with?
Kappa Alpha Psi Draternity Inc., Southeastern District of the North Carolina Bandmasters, North Carolina Music Educators Association, and Refugee Community Church.
How do you volunteer your time in the community?
Mentoring youth; I've coached upward basketball; performing at various events in the community.
What is one thing you wish people knew or understood better about your profession?
So many different things come into play such as feeder programs or lack thereof. A feeder program is the middle school band that directly feeds into your classroom. Parental buy-in, administrative support, community support, financial and business, all the hats that we wear as a band director. It's similar to athletic coaches. We have to be father figures, tutors, and behavior support, the whole time developing the actual skills of music such as reading and playing.
What's the best advice you've ever received and/or the worst advice you've ever followed?
The best advice I've ever received was mind over matter. It allows me to face difficult situations with ease. The worst advice I've ever followed was to wait to get married. Wish I had married her sooner.
What goal have you already achieved, and how did you make it happen?
Becoming a band director. I had to press through a lot of life situations and finish my degree to gain my license. Being in band and having endless support from my now-wife was everything. Also having my first-born son was a huge motivation to make something of myself.
If you weren't in your current profession, what would you be?
If I weren't a band director I would be performing full-time sax, rap and poetry.
What are five things (not people or pets) you can't live without?
God, music, chicken, superheroes and love
What's something you do outside of work to enrich yourself?
I perform saxophone professionally. I write music. I produce music.
What's a song that always makes you happy or that motivates you?
"MISSIN U" by SCOTT Exclusive SUMMERS.
Some responses may have been edited for style and grammar.
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