2008 Woodie Awards
A game of musical chairs
Changing of the guards results in temporary halt
Roi Evans
Issue date: 9/23/04 Section: Features
With the new semester upon us, we find ourselves in a constant state of growth and, in some cases, taking a few steps back to make a greater leap forward. In the case of the Lakeland College music department, there have been major changes in the music staff. Janet Herrick has taken a year off for medical leave, and former band director Gene Bechen resigned for personal reasons.
Choosing replacements for the band director seems to have become a regular state of affairs for the college, with three band directors in three years it almost seems to be the development of a disturbing trend.
Christopher Tourtellott, a junior business major and tuba player with the band, comments on his disappointment. "It's really frustrating to have to go through three band directors in three years. When you start getting used to one conductor, he's already out the door." However, Tourtellott maintains an optimistic outlook, knowing the process of starting over is natural with a new conductor, but feels there is still much to be done. "I almost feel as if we don't really have a college band, but more of a small ensemble, and you'd think a school that claims to be a liberal arts college would pay more attention to the arts, don't you think?"
The newly appointed band director is Dr. Walter Rich, who received his Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction/music education from the University of Wisconsin Madison, along with education and performance credits to make him well qualified for the task at hand. It is too early to predict the direction of the band, with the first few rehearsals serving as a listening and adjustment period. However, as the year progresses we will be able to see (and hear) first hand the results of hours of instruction and practice.
One of the main priorities has been the recruitment effort, evidenced by the large number of "Join the Band!" posters found on the windows and bulletin boards across campus as well as word of mouth by the current members of the band. The band holds a solid 17 members, down from the 20 of the previous year. The band is still accepting all skill levels to join, and private instruction is available.
Choosing replacements for the band director seems to have become a regular state of affairs for the college, with three band directors in three years it almost seems to be the development of a disturbing trend.
Christopher Tourtellott, a junior business major and tuba player with the band, comments on his disappointment. "It's really frustrating to have to go through three band directors in three years. When you start getting used to one conductor, he's already out the door." However, Tourtellott maintains an optimistic outlook, knowing the process of starting over is natural with a new conductor, but feels there is still much to be done. "I almost feel as if we don't really have a college band, but more of a small ensemble, and you'd think a school that claims to be a liberal arts college would pay more attention to the arts, don't you think?"
The newly appointed band director is Dr. Walter Rich, who received his Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction/music education from the University of Wisconsin Madison, along with education and performance credits to make him well qualified for the task at hand. It is too early to predict the direction of the band, with the first few rehearsals serving as a listening and adjustment period. However, as the year progresses we will be able to see (and hear) first hand the results of hours of instruction and practice.
One of the main priorities has been the recruitment effort, evidenced by the large number of "Join the Band!" posters found on the windows and bulletin boards across campus as well as word of mouth by the current members of the band. The band holds a solid 17 members, down from the 20 of the previous year. The band is still accepting all skill levels to join, and private instruction is available.