Renardo R. Murray was named Tuesday as director of The Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite, the Alcorn State University marching band, meaning he will take the spot held by Samuel Griffin for 40 years.

Griffin was named director of University Bands, a job that oversees all bands on campus.

Murray, a 40-year-old graduate of ASU and former student of Griffin’s, has been in front of bands at Jackson State University since 2004, first as an assistant band director, then as interim director of bands. He has also worked at four high schools in Mississippi and Louisiana.

Though Murray has worked throughout the region, he said his heart has remained with ASU.

“Alcorn State University has given me so much,” Murray said. “It is always good to come home. I have carried Alcorn State with me throughout my career and all of my successes can be attributed to the solid foundation I received from Mr. Griffin and my institution.”

The Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite has more than 200 members, 160 instruments, four drum majors, a 16-member flag corps, four twirlers and 14 members of the “Golden Girls” dancing squad.

ASU President M. Christopher Brown II said he is confident Murray can lead the band in the right direction.

“We are extremely excited about our future with Dr. Renardo R. Murray,” Brown said. “Renardo brings a depth of experience to the university and we are confident that he will take the Marching and Pep bands to the next level nationally.”

Griffin introduced Murray as the new band director Tuesday morning.

“He was a talented student and is a skillful musician and director,” Griffin said. “I am proud to welcome him back.”

Murray earned a doctorate degree in music education from the University of Mississippi in 2011, a master’s degree in music education from Jackson State University in 2004 and a music education bachelor’s from Alcorn in 1995.