Former Sam Houston High School Drum Majors Jose Morris and Bryson Adams Now Serve as Drum Majors at Florida A&M University
For decades, the Sam Houston High School band has carried a reputation that extends far beyond the football field. Known throughout San Antonio as the “Pride of the East Side” and celebrated by many as the best band in town, the program has introduced generations of students to discipline, leadership and opportunities that once seemed beyond their reach.
Under longtime band director Bruce Adams, that legacy also created a pipeline stretching from San Antonio’s East Side to Florida A&M University, Adams’ alma mater and home of the world-renowned Marching 100.
Nineteen Sam Houston graduates have attended FAMU, while more than 300 students have had the opportunity to experience the university through its summer band camp. Four former Sam Houston students are currently active at FAMU, and two have risen to become drum majors.
Senior Jose Morris is serving his second year as a FAMU drum major, while junior Bryson Adams, the son of Bruce Adams, is in his first year in the leadership position. The two previously served as drum majors together at Sam Houston before continuing their musical journeys in Tallahassee.
Two Drum Majors From One East Side Band
Seeing two former Sam Houston students lead at one of the nation’s most recognized collegiate band programs represents more than a musical achievement. It is the continuation of a foundation built in an East Side band room, where students were taught to expect more of themselves and envision possibilities beyond high school.
For Adams, watching his son follow the same path has made the moment especially personal. The Observer spoke with Adams about how his dedication—and that of his students—helped pave the way for them to continue pursuing their passion at the collegiate level while earning an education.
“Words cannot express the feeling that I have about my son following in my footsteps,” Adams told the Observer. “I’m even more excited that he has taken a step above my accomplishments in FAMU’s band.”
Bryson Adams has also become his father’s fraternity brother through Kappa Kappa Psi, an honorary band fraternity. The elder Adams said he continues to encourage his son to “go for the gold.”
That father-and-son connection is one part of a much larger story. Bruce Adams’ influence can be seen in the numerous students who were introduced to FAMU, college life and high-level musical performance through the Sam Houston band program.
Some of those students had not planned to attend college before being shown what was possible.
“To God be the glory,” Adams said. “I am blessed that He used me to be able to afford opportunities to students where many had no plans of attending college, let alone even being in a college band. I am elated to see what God has allowed me to be a part of. I am totally humbled and grateful.”
More Than a Band Experience
The FAMU connection has given Sam Houston students an opportunity to perform at a higher level while experiencing the traditions and culture of a historically Black university.
Students who became members of the Marching 100 have expressed gratitude for the support that helped them reach that stage, Adams said. The experience gave them new adventures, lasting memories and stories they will continue sharing for years.
FAMU, however, has not been the only destination for members of the Pride of the East Side.
Sam Houston band students have continued their musical careers at Texas Southern University, Prairie View A&M University, Southern University and A&M College, North Carolina A&T State University, Virginia State University and Mississippi Delta Community College. Each program has allowed students to build upon the skills, confidence and work ethic developed at Sam Houston.
The college connections demonstrate the broader purpose of the band program. Performances, parades and halftime shows may be the most visible results, but behind them are students learning responsibility, teamwork, time management and leadership.
Retirement Did Not End the Commitment
Adams officially retired May 31, 2026, but his final performance with the band came during San Antonio’s Juneteenth parade. Afterward, he began packing his belongings and preparing the band room for the next director.
Retirement has not separated him from the students whose lives he helped shape.
Adams visits FAMU at least three times a year and remains in contact with former students, regularly checking on their well-being. His own family also maintains a strong connection to the university. All three of his children are part of the FAMU family, including one who recently graduated.
At Sam Houston, Adams has maintained a relationship with the new band director and her support staff. He said they communicated before and after she “picked up the Sam Houston baton.”
Still, Adams recognizes that the new director must be given the space to develop her own program and leadership style.
“I am just a call away,” Adams said. “I respect the fact that it has to become her program, so I step up when I am needed.”
His retirement also does not mean the road from Sam Houston to FAMU—or to other colleges and universities—has closed.
Adams said he will continue supporting Sam Houston students and helping them pursue higher education whenever possible.
“If there is anything that I can do to help the students get to FAMU, or any other university or college,” Adams said, “you can consider it done.”
The director may have passed the baton, but the legacy he built continues every time a Sam Houston graduate steps onto a college campus, lifts an instrument or takes the field as a leader.
