Band Program Announces Personnel, Program Changes

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Christopher Knighten and Dale Warren (top), Benjamin Chamberlain and Ronda Mains (bottom).

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas band program, a division within the department of music in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, has implemented a series of personnel changes and program improvements. Changes include hiring an additional band director, showcasing contemporary music and upgrading the entire concert band component.

“Following years of hard work and student recruitment by our faculty, the Razorback Marching Band is stunning,” said Robin Roberts, dean of Fulbright College. “The chancellor and provost have agreed that we should continue this progress by expanding our concert band program through teaching and performance of traditional and contemporary music, as well as continuing to bring in even more outstanding student musicians.”

Christopher Knighten, associate professor of music, has been promoted to director of university bands. In this new position, Knighten will oversee all faculty and staff charged with managing the various units of the University of Arkansas band program including the Razorback Marching Band and all of the concert bands. Knighten will also teach graduate-level conducting and conduct a newly formed Wind Ensemble, which will serve as the program’s premier concert band.

Dale Warren, professor of music, will continue as conductor of the University Wind Symphony. Warren has assumed the additional responsibility of coordinating the nationally-recognized University of Arkansas Summer Music Camp which educates more than 1,200 junior and senior high band and orchestra students each year and employs more than 120 professional music instructors and camp counselors.

Benjamin Chamberlain, assistant professor of music, has been promoted to associate director of bands. He will direct the award-winning, 350-member Razorback Marching Band and coordinate new student ensembles showcasing original and contemporary compositions, as well as conduct one of the concert bands.

Two new positions have also been established. An assistant director of bands will assume the current duties associated with that title while also teaching music courses. The new assistant director will also direct the 100-member HogWild band, which provides spirit music for men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball games, and conduct a concert band. The other new position, an associate director of operations, will promote band performances within and outside the university community, administer scholarships, coordinate band alumni relations activities and support major gift fundraising.

“This new staffing and program model mirrors the most advanced university music programs in the country,” said Ronda Mains, professor of music and chair of the department. “It will give balance to our students’ overall education in ensemble performance. They will learn to present world-class performances, whether appearing on the football field, in concert halls or on the town square.”

 “Our overall growth and development mean changes not only in our classrooms but also to other forms of instruction such as the band program,” said Roberts. “It is an exciting time at the University of Arkansas.”

The program changes went into effect on Monday, Oct. 1. The two new positions will be advertised on the University of Arkansas employment website this month.