Spring Break
Director to be named for Aggie Band
By: By Marianne Hudson
Issue date: 4/10/02 Section: Front Page
The Aggie Band will have a new director by June, University officials said.
The search advisory committee, chaired by Bill Kibler, associate vice president for the Department of Student Affairs, is reviewing the applications of 10 people who applied for the position and will select three or four this week to interview. Col. Ray Toler, the only permanent director of the Aggie Band in its 107-year history, announced his retirement last fall.
Kibler said applicants were asked to submit CDs, videos or programs from events they had conducted. They also were required to have a master's degree in music. The committee will select the applicants based on their musical and military background. Kibler said most of the applicants have experience with college bands.
Two have had experience with military bands.
"Band directing is a lot different from being a music teacher," Kibler said. "The Aggie Band is one of the most unique college marching bands in the country, so it helps if they bring military experience to the job."
In addition to overseeing the Aggie Band, the director will be the head of the University Symphonic Band, the University Jazz Ensemble, the Aggieland Orchestra, the University Concert Band and the University Campus Band, Kibler said. The director will also serve as the head of the newly-created music program.
Because the director is involved in many facets of Texas A&M culture, the search committee is composed of a diverse group of members, Kibler said. Members of the committee represent the Corps of Cadets, the student affairs department, the College of Liberal Arts, the Athletic Department and current and former band members.
Chip Wenmohs, band commander and a senior finance major, said he is looking for a director who will preserve the band's rich traditions.
"I'm looking for someone who can work well with the cadets and fits in with our traditions," Wenmohs said. "I want somebody who understands the uniqueness of our band and keeps it alive for future generations."
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