He holds a Master of Music degree from Indiana University and a Doctor of Music degree from Texas Tech University. As a perform and scholar, Jesse’s creative interests have led him to explore the music of Africa as well as Afro-centric musical traditions of the Caribbean and South America. He currently directs CalypSamba, the CCU World Percussion Ensemble, which was invited to perform at the 2015 Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC). He has led several successful student trips around the Carolinas (Columbia, Wilmington, Charleston) as well as a 30-student trip to San Antonio, TX for 5 days/4 nights for their PASIC performance. Jesse also traveled to Trinidad as an extra chaperone for a university trip (Texas Tech University, May 2009). Dr. Willis is well versed in the musical traditions and cultural celebrations of Trinidad Carnival.