The search for the next director of Florida A&M University’s marching band continues after contract negotiations for the candidate fell through Tuesday.
Florida A&M was all set to announce North Carolina Central band director Jorim Reid as the next director of marching and pep bands, but the deal fell through after the school and Reid failed to reach an agreement on the job requirements in the position. Interim University President Larry Robinson says he believes it’s best for the school to start the search process over again:
“We just wanted to step back, assess the pool and see if we have the type of leadership there, and we just thought it was in our best interest to keep looking,” he said.
FAMU’s current Associate Band Director Shelby Chipman was considered a front-runner for the position. Penn State Assistant Band Director Gregory Drane was also a finalist.
The university is considering hiring a search firm as it starts over and Robinson says, “we haven’t ruled anyone out, we haven’t ruled anyone in. We just want a broader pool of candidates.”
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