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Director of bands appointed at Delta State

Erik Richards is welcomed as Delta State's new director of bands, effective July 1.

The Delta State University Department of Music is pleased to announce Erik Richards as the new director of bands, effective July 1.

Richards holds a doctorate in music education with a concentration in instrumental conducting and a graduate certificate in college teaching from Florida State University, a Master of Music Education from Virginia Commonwealth University and a B.S. degree in music education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He spent 10 years of his professional career teaching instrumental music at all levels, marching band and AP music theory in Virginia public schools. He has also been active as a guest clinician and conductor.

At Iowa State University, Richards worked with the marching and athletic bands, concert bands and supervised student teachers in music education degrees, among other duties. As a graduate instructor at Florida State, he assisted with the band program and taught courses in conducting, instrumental music and music education. His research interests include the development of effective music teaching characteristics, instrumental music pedagogy and wind band literature.

“Dr. Richards is well-qualified for this important position in our department and on campus,” said Mark Butler, retiring interim chair of the Delta State music department. “He comes to Delta State full of energy, with great credentials and strong musicianship on the podium. His charisma will be effective recruiting and teaching Delta State music students and working among the state’s instrumental music educators. We look forward to welcoming him and his family to the Delta.”

The Department of Music offers undergraduate degrees in music education, performance and liberal arts, taught by 12 full time faculty members. The programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. For more information or to make charitable contributions to the department, contact the music office at 662-846-4615.