The Septem consists of the Founder, and visionary of Mu Phi Sigma, D'Extra Wiley and the six First Founding Fathers. These six were first to receive the vision and the first to be initiated into the brotherhood. They serve as Illustrious advisers to the organization.
The Founder and CEO
D'Extra Wiley
Chief Illustrious Founder
D'Extra Wiley is no stranger to the the entertainment industry. He started out as child playing drums at St. Mark COGIC, in Richmond, VA. He was a member of Norfolk State University’s Spartan Legion Marching Band where he marched playing snare drum in the percussion section;The Million Dollar Funk Squad. He served in the Army, and graduated from Defense Information School. He formed the Washington D.C. recording artist 90’s hit group, II D Extreme and signed with MCA Records/Gasoline Alley label. The II D Extreme Billboard charting hit “Cry No More,” was penned by Wiley, and after years of bicoastal residency he later relocated from Washington D.C. to Los Angeles permanently. He has worked with various artists ranging from: Frank Ocean, to legends such as Teddy Pendergrass and the Whispers.
Wiley is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Entertainment Business. His 17 year friendship and business partner Marvin Gaye III, enabled him to Co-author and produce the successful hit national touring stage play, Pride & Joy: The Marvin Gaye Musical. He is currently developing several projects including executive producing the Sly Stone biopic, B.B. King biopic, and several television series. He is also working along side of The Benford Company’s Vassal Benford, who is a renowned Grammy Awards Nominated mega-platinum music producer, film producer, and icon.
As the visionary and founder of Mu Phi Sigma, he has created most of Mu Phi's foundational traditions, established many chapters, and appointed officers to assure the proper programing and expansion of the brotherhood. As the CEO and overseer of Mu Phi, he is determined to guard and implement the vision given to him by the Most High with excellence and care.
Wiley is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Entertainment Business. His 17 year friendship and business partner Marvin Gaye III, enabled him to Co-author and produce the successful hit national touring stage play, Pride & Joy: The Marvin Gaye Musical. He is currently developing several projects including executive producing the Sly Stone biopic, B.B. King biopic, and several television series. He is also working along side of The Benford Company’s Vassal Benford, who is a renowned Grammy Awards Nominated mega-platinum music producer, film producer, and icon.
As the visionary and founder of Mu Phi Sigma, he has created most of Mu Phi's foundational traditions, established many chapters, and appointed officers to assure the proper programing and expansion of the brotherhood. As the CEO and overseer of Mu Phi, he is determined to guard and implement the vision given to him by the Most High with excellence and care.
First Founding Fathers
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Ronald "Roll" BollingRon "Roll" was born in Norfolk, Va, in June of 1965. Although his high school did not have a marching band, he displayed his talents in a talent show with another drummer for the band Double Exposure. After graduating he attended Norfolk State University in the fall of 1983. At a Pep Rally in 1984 he saw the M.D.F.S. (Million Dollar Funk Squad) perform and was amazed. He decided to try out and made the tenor line. (leg tenor) The following year he was asked to play Quads in which he was responsible for revising the tenor and snare parts for the quads, as well as writing music for other cadences still played by the drumline to this day. (Egypt)
Ron was apart of BET's Gold Bowl in which he was featured on film. This footage would be later used for recruiting purposes for future band members. Ron has participated in the Alumni Band at Norfolk State since his first season of 1988. Myles Overton III
Myles Overton III is a Norfolk, Virginia native who is a retired Sergeant Major (SGM) from the United States Army. He is a proud alumnus of Granby High School, Norfolk Va and Norfolk State University Marching Spartan Legion’s M.D.F.S. (Million Dollar Funk Squad) drumline. During his time in the military he also served 4 years in the U.S. Marine field bands to include the elite “Commandant’s Own” Marine Drum & Bugle Corps, 1974- 1978 as well as 31 years as senior percussionist with the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” 1982-2013. He was the First African American appointed as Special Drummer for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Myles is currently the Drumline Coordinator for Washington Football Team Drumline, conducts private tutoring and adjudicating various percussion festivals in the DMV area, is a member of the Mason Victory Lodge #23 and currently performing in the rhythm section for "Voices of Service vocal ensemble". |
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Brian "Brick" Brickhouse Sr.Brian began his percussion career at the tender age of six years old. He was apart of the marching band at Booker T. Washington High School, and later continued at Norfolk State University where he became a member of the Spartan Legion M.D.F.S. (Million Dollar Funk Squad) drumline. He has been apart of the Alumni Band and is a proud husband and father of six children and grandfather of six grandchildren.
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James "JD" BlairJ. D. Blair was born on Nellis Air Force Base, in Nevada. In 1979, John Lindberg recruited him to march as a member of the Million Dollar Funk Squad. Since then, J. D. has played with some of the biggest names in music, including Wynonna Judd, Lyle Lovett, Take 6, Shania Twain, Kirk Whalum, & Victor Wooten. Along with a host of video and worldwide TV appearances, J. D. has played on several Dove, Grammy, and Stellar award winning sessions. He was voted Drum! Magazine’s 2000 Country Drummer of the Year. He also has been awarded the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award.
In addition, Blair is on the list of 100 Famous Black Seventh - day Adventists. The Ice4Life Foundation, Inc. has inducted him into, "The Legion’s Own" Fraternity, which celebrates the life and accomplishments of NSU Alumni Band Directors and accomplished musicians. "The Groove Regulator" endorses Aquarian Drum Heads, Innovative Percussion, and Paiste Cymbals. |
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Emmanuel "Stone" ThomasEmanuel was born at Portsmouth Naval Hospital, where he was raised in Norfolk, VA into a family of ten. He started playing drums in elementary school and continued through high school at Booker T. Washington High. After graduating he attended Norfolk State University, where he marched for the Spartan Legion apart of the M.D.F.S. After leaving the Legion, he jumped right into the NSU Alumni Band which originated in 1985. He has marched in the Alumni Band for 32 years.
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Andrew "Drew" Jones Jr.
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