Band director vacancy draws international talent

Chadron State College is searching for a new band director to replace Adam Lambert as he moves to take a new position at a different school.

The Music Faculty Search Committee, headed by assistant professor and volunteer chairman Michael Stephens, is reviewing applications for the position.

The ideal candidate would hold a doctorate degree and possess teaching experience, Stephens said.

Although Stephens declined to comment on the identities of the candidates, he said the committee is pleased with  the 40 applicants who come from the U.S. and abroad.

Stephens said he doesn’t believe there will be any problems finding a qualified replacement for Lambert.

Currently, the search committee has narrowed the pool to 10 applicants for phone interviews.

Once the phone interviews are completed, the committee will select three candidates for personal interviews.

Stephens said the committee wants the three finalists at CSC for personal interviews  before the end of the semester so the candidates can become acquainted with the faculty, students, and campus.

During that process, the applicants will be asked to demonstrate their teaching skills so the committee can better assess them.

Stephens said the committee members hope to have a final applicant chosen and an offer made by the end of May. He said committee members would like the applicant’s decision by June.

Stephens said that if CSC is unable to make a final decision on an applicant, it will likely fill the position on an interim basis until a permanent replacement is made.