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GSU seeks new Director of Bands

World- Famed Tiger Marching Band during half-time performance at 2017 SWAC Championship. 2C2KPHOTOGRAPHY/Courtesy photo

“The Tiger Marching Band is an integral part of what makes our University’s culture outstanding,” said President Gallot. “I am extremely proud of all that the World Famed Band and the GSU Music Department have accomplished. Both new permanent positions will have the privilege and responsibility of ensuring that the University’s legacy of excellence in music and entertainment continues.”

 The next Director of Bands for Grambling State University will lead the charge furthering long-standing legacy of distinction for its 220 exceptional students who participate in the World-Famed Tiger Marching Band. In addition, the new leader will oversee and contribute to the development of all other concert, pep band, and other instrument-led ensembles on campus. 

The new Head of Grambling State University’s Music Department will provide visionary leadership and strategic direction to a team of fourteen faculty members, including seven adjunct and seven full-time members. Overseeing the education and development of more than one hundred talented students, the role will manage three academic programs including Liberal Arts Concentration, Music Education-Instrumental Concentration, and Music Education-Vocal Concentration. The new department head will spearhead the division’s contributions to the University’s strategic priorities, including but not limited to increasing its student enrollment, broadening its community involvement and impact, and delivering first-rate operational efficiency.

Known as the “Best Band in the Land,” the 200-plus member World Famed Tiger Marching Band has been nationally celebrated since its founding and unforgettable performances at half-time during NFL Super Bowls I and II (1967 and 1968). Continuing the legacy, the World Famed Band boasts more than 50 NFL half-time shows and 14 Super Bowl performances; 15 NBA performances; commercials for major brands like Coca-Cola; international performances from Africa to Asia; and major motion pictures features including Drumline (2002) and The Great Debaters (2007).

The Department of Music located in the College of Arts and Sciences at Grambling State University invites applications for the position of Department Chair beginning August of 2019. The department is composed of three degree programs, Liberal Arts Concentration, Music Education-Instrumental Concentration, and Music Education-Vocal Concentration.

The primary mission of the Department of Music is to produce graduates who will be leaders and advocates in their respective fields of Music. The department is also committed to building the community through the arts by being a resource for Music pedagogy and performance. Home to the Grambling State University Symphony Orchestra and the Concert Choir, the division aims to cultivate a climate where creativity flourishes, engaging the community with our Music, and making it accessible to all. 

“We will move forward with high expectations of hiring the best candidates to advance our Tiger Band and Music Department,” said President Gallot. “Both programs have served as beacons of achievement and I am excited to welcome the next generation of success.”

Applicants are encouraged to submit interest for each of the roles for Director of Bands or Head of the Music Department at careers.gram.edu. 

Each opening will close to new applicants March 13, 2019 and the University aims to conclude the search process on May 1, 2019.