TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Florida A&M University abruptly canceled plansto name a new Marching 100 band director Tuesday morning, leaving anauditorium full of curious students, faculty and media wondering whythe school couldn’t agree on a contract with the remaining finalist. "Somehow they did not meet the negotiation process and they will notbe able to name a candidate," university spokeswoman Sharon Saunderssaid. The announcement is certain to draw nationwide scrutiny as theMarching 100 attempts to rebuild after the 2011 hazing death of drummajor Robert Champion. The group is on suspension but could return asearly as the fall. The university has refused to say which of four finalists was offered thejob, though Saunders said the person is in Tallahassee meeting withschool officials to seal the deal. Saunders said she didn’t know what specifically had hampered contractnegotiations other than it had to do with concerns about the role of theband director in light of recent efforts to reorganize the band. The school is in the process of hiring additional staff to create moreoversight. Also, the position of band director has been separated fromthe position of music department chair. FAMU announced Monday afternoon that the news conference wouldhappen Tuesday morning. Band members have been buzzing about whogot the job. Many hoped Shelby Chipman, the associate director of bands who hadbeen groomed for years to assume the top position, would be selected.But others suggested North Carolina Central University band directorJorim Reid, a former Marching 100 drum major, was offered the job.
You need to be a member of bandhead.org to add comments!
Replies