SC State Names New Band Director
Staff Report From Columbia CEO
Monday, August 20th, 2018
Patrick Moore has been named the new director of Bands for SC State University’s celebrated Marching 101 Band. Moore, who previously served as director of Bands and Instrumental Studies and a music instructor at Houston Baptist University, will assume his duties on August 16.
Following a nationwide search with 30 applicants and a rigorous selection process, Moore was selected because of his leadership abilities and extensive experience in marching band ensembles, teaching, recruiting and administration. The search committee, in pursuit of finding the most suitable candidate, consisted of mostly SC State alumni who participated in the music program and the Marching 101. The committee was selected in this manner to ensure that the band maintains its traditional practices and culture.
Moore is regarded by HBU officials as a visionary and reformist with extraordinary musicianship skills. His endorsement is also the result of his creative spirit, as he built HBU’s band from the ground up with little funding, but strong dedication to steering students toward musical excellence.
SC State administrators are confident that Moore’s expertise will boost the Marching 101’s momentum, as the university’s music program prepares for the National Association of Schools of Music reaffirmation of accreditation in 2019.
While the performance aspect of the band is essential, the music program’s goal is also to raise the standards of teaching, research and service, so that it can be highly competitive among historically black colleges and other institutions.
“We are excited and poised as we stand at a juncture of time where it is important that we are proactive in addressing potential challenges, while simultaneously operating in a fiscal manner that is healthy and productive towards students. Accordingly, Mr. Moore has pledged to preserve the glorious reputation, achievements and legacies of the Marching 101 to the pleasure of the university and its alumni,” said Dr. Tolulope O. Filani, chair of the Department of Visual and Performing Arts.
Moore earned a bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Arkansas and holds a master’s degree in music performance with an emphasis in percussion from Texas Tech University. He is currently working toward his Doctor of Education degree at Abilene Christian University.
With 12 years of experience, he has taught at several predominantly black high schools and Prairie View A&M University, granting him exposure to marching band styles prominent within historically black colleges and universities. In addition, he has worked with military style and corps style bands.
He also held key leadership positions at Eastern Oklahoma State College as a department chair, director of Instrumental and director of Choral Ensembles.
“I started teaching band as a sophomore in college and have gained a wealth of knowledge from multiple sources. Teaching proper music fundamentals and proper marching techniques that ultimately lead to exceptional musicianship has always been my goal,” Moore said.
“I look forward to serving at SC State, and I’m extremely excited to begin working with faculty, staff and students. My aim is to help take the university band to a new level,” he continued.
He has performed in China and Guatemala and has built relationships with music professionals in the Bahamas, who can provide band recruitment assistance.
A published composer, Moore has produced several steel drum and percussion ensemble pieces, published by Kendor Music and Alfred Publishing Company.
As the Marching 101’s new director, he will be joined by his wife and two children.