UPDATE: 01/16/13
TALLAHSSEE, Fla. (AP)-- Florida A&M University is starting over in its search for a new director for its famed band.
FAMU officials on Wednesday announced they were unable to reach an agreement with the finalist for the job. University officials had planned to appoint Jorim Reid, the current band director at North Carolina Central University, to the position.
FAMU officials said that Reid and the university disagreed over the duties of the band director. The university changed the job following the hazing related death of drum major Robert Champion. The band director will no longer serve as chairman of the music department.
Interim President Larry Robinson said it was in the best interest of the university to start a new search instead of selecting one of the other remaining two finalists.
__________________________________________________
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida A&M University Interim President Larry Robinson has decided today to reopen the search for a new director of marching and pep bands with the desire to look at a new pool of candidates.
Robinson said, “We were unable to reach an agreement and we strongly feel that it is time to reopen the search to find the right fit for the task at hand." “Our goal is to continue the tradition that has made the Marching ‘100’ great, but to also ensure that students are able to thrive in the right environment free from outside pressure and influence.”
According to FAMU Interim Provost Rodner Wright, who is chair of the search committee, the university had a firm commitment on Monday, but the candidate had several concerns.
“This search is a priority for us and we understand how critical this position is in the decision-making process about the return of the Marching ‘100,’” Wright said. “We want to make sure the candidate understands that our priority is to do what is in the best interest of the university and students.”
The university is considering the use of a search firm as it reopens the search.
