Dance & Aux Forum

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - July 10, 2012 -

Florida A&M has chosen an assistant music professor to serve as interim chairman of the school's music department.

The school announced Tuesday that Kawachi Clemons will lead the department through these turbulent times. Its famed Marching 100 marching band was suspended after a drum major died following a hazing ritual in November. The suspension caries through the upcoming school year. No decision has been made about how long it could remain in effect, although the university is advertising for a permanent successor for Dr. Julian White, who retired earlier this year.

Clemons has served on the production staff of The Academy Awards, a Super Bowl halftime show and has managed numerous special events with Walt Disney Entertainment. He started his new assignment on July 2.

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FAMU Release:

Assistant Professor of Music and Director of the Institute for Research in Music and Entertainment Industry Studies at Florida A&M University (FAMU) Kawachi Clemons will serve as FAMU’s Interim Chair for the Department of Music.

Clemons has a broad and definitive career in music and higher education.  His decade of teaching experience includes posts at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) as former director of the Hip Hop Initiative, assistant director of bands and visiting assistant professor of Music at NCCU. Prior to his work at NCCU, Clemons was an assistant director in the Office of Student Affairs at Florida International University (FIU).

“I am honored by the opportunity to serve as the Interim Chair of the School of Music,” said Clemons.  “I look forward to building on the foundation laid by faculty members, staff, trustees, students, and alumni under the leadership of President Ammons.”

Clemons has served on the production staff of The Academy Awards, Super Bowl XXXIII Halftime Show, and has managed numerous special events with Walt Disney Entertainment. “Kawachi Clemons has the background to be a successful leader,” said FAMU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Larry Robinson.  “I am very pleased we can call on such experience to guide the music department over the coming period of growth and transition.”

A native of Florida, Clemons earned his doctorate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  He received his master’s degree from FIU and his undergraduate degree from FAMU.

Clemons is a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Music Fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., the American Educational Research Association, the American Educational Studies Association, the Music and Entertainment Industry Educators Association, Percussive Arts Society and the Interlochen Alumni Association.

Clemons assumed his role of interim chair effective July 2.