Terry Hopkins spent 35 years as a band director in both Louisiana and Texas. He holds a Bachelors and Masters degree from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, LA. His wonderful students blessed him with numerous Sweepstakes at district, state, and national contests. He has appeared as guest conductor, adjudicator, clinician, and “motivator” throughout Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana. Having retired from public school teaching, Mr. Hopkins is currently teaching at Centenary College of Louisiana.

Mr. Hopkins is an active instrumentalist, performing with the Shreveport Symphony for 22 years, Longview Symphony 26 years, and the Marshall Symphony for 37 years. He has studied with Alan Ostrander and Toby Hanks of the New York Philharmonic and the Met. He was in the “House Band” at Hirsch Coliseum and Le'Bossier’ Theatre with musicians such as James Brown, Gladys Knight, The Temptations, Frankie Lane, Stevie Wonder, Dionne Warwick, Frankie Valle, and others.

Mr. Hopkins enjoys his community life. He is an eagle scout and has served as an assistant scoutmaster. He has been a mentor for struggling students with the Longview "Partners in Prevention". He also volunteers regularly at some of the Marshall area nursing homes.

Mr. Hopkins greatest joys are his wife, Jan, his children Ben and Jenny, and his beautiful granddaughter Bradee.