Deborah K. Banks (Born June 11, 1951)
A clarinet and keyboard player, Deborah Banks graduated from Champaign Central High School and served as the first Black drum major in the history of the school’s marching band. She received her musical training at UIUC and a degree in audio production from Full Sail University and taught music in Champaign schools. For many years she directed the Bethel AME Church Youth Choir, conducting the album, “Lord I Want to Be Like You” and the U of I Black Chorus. She recorded gospel CD’s: “Worth” and “Praising My Jesus All Day Long.” She played with the Kenneth Hagin Ministries Band and served as Music Director of Word of Faith International Christian Center (Bishop Keith Butler). She frequently conducts Praise and Worship clinics across the nation.
