BLOGS!

Prairie View A&M University has launched a nationwide search for the next band director to lead the famed Marching Storm.

The decision to seek a new director is an opportunity for PVAMU’s Marching Storm to enhance its national reputation and set a new standard in university marching bands.

The University’s search is the latest in a number of initiatives adopted to ensure the band, which serves as a window to the University, continues to uphold the legacy of greatness for which it is known. This includes reviewing tryout scheduling, scholarship distribution and various other administrative aspects.

"We appreciate Professor McQueen’s contributions over the past years, and I believe this is the right time to transition our program with new leadership and a new direction," said President George C. Wright. Dr. Wright added, “The goal of this search is to set a new vision for the Marching Storm while ensuring that the band experience is rewarding for student members.”

According to President George C. Wright, the marching band’s new leader will be more than a music educator. The next director will be someone who can shape students both academically and socially while pushing them to higher levels of music performance.

Those interested in the position should contact the Office of Human Resources.

Mississippi Valley State University’s Mean Green Marching Machine is back on the recruiting trail again. We’d love to have YOU as a member of this great band program/family. Scholarship amounts vary anywhere all the way up to a FULL scholarship.

What is the audition and scholarship awarding process?
• Students that wish to receive a scholarship from the Music Department must complete an
application.
• At least two qualified faculty members will adjudicate each applicant. Auditions can occur on
campus, off site, over the phone, via DVD or videos emailed to the director.

A) Major Scales
B) Chromatic Scale
C) Prepared Piece
D) Sight – reading
E) All 26 basic rudiments and melodic proficiency (percussion only)

• The Director of the Major Ensembles will keep records of all applicants and will send
Scholarship Contracts to students receiving financial assistance and letters to those that did not
qualify for assistance.
• When the signed Scholarship Contract is returned, the Chair of the Department will validate the
form with their signature. The completed form will then be copied, placed in the student’s file,
and then sent to Financial Aid.
• The Director of a Major Ensemble is required to maintain fiscal responsibility for allotted
scholarships.

What are the requirements to maintain the scholarship?
1. Maintain full-time enrollment (12+ semester hours)
2. Maintain a minimum 2.0 grade point average (GPA)
3. Demonstrate academic achievement by earning a minimum 12 hours per fall and spring
semesters (totaling 24 hours per academic year). Summer and winter grades will not calculate in
the GPA for scholarship awards.
4. Participation in assigned ensemble (decisions made by the Director of the Major Ensemble)
5. Perfect attendance at all performances (absences must be officially excused by the Director)
6. Demonstrate proper conduct, behavior and exemplary scholastic progress and personal achievement
acceptable and expected of band scholarship recipients.

Come be a member of the Mean Green Marching Machine!!!
For more info or to set up an audition, feel free to contact:
Mr. Michael Torregano (Director of Bands) at (662)254-3489
Mr. Kenneth Milton (Assistant Director of Bands) at (662)299-1131