OT: Gregory Drane named new Blue Band Director

[9fold]

I received this message from the Blue Band today:

Dear Alumni,

The School of Music and the College of Arts and Architecture are pleased to announce that Gregory Drane has accepted our offer to serve as Director of Athletic Bands for a two-year term beginning July 1, 2015 through June 2017. As many of you know, he has been a charismatic and talented member of the athletic band staff for the past ten years, serving as Assistant Director of Athletic Bands. He is known for his creative drill-writing, his memorable half-time shows, and his contemporary arrangements, which have contributed to "one of the best atmospheres in college football (ESPN Magazine)." He will be part of a team of outstanding and student-centered faculty and staff, serving the University, School of Music, and Athletic Programs. His teaching assignment will include marching and pep band courses, music education and general education courses, and a concert band.

Thank you to the search committee for their fantastic service - to Dennis Glocke (chair), Heather Bean, Lisa Bontrager, and Darrin Thornton - and to everyone who participated in the search process.

Thanks for your patience,

Sue Haug, Director
School of Music
Penn State

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So why did Mr. Drane get just a two-year term? Is that standard practice for the Blue Band? Of course, what is standard? Bundy was there forever.

Is it a two-year probationary period?

I've met Mr. Drane at many Penn State events. He's a great guy.

This post was edited on 3/24 5:18 AM by 9fold

 

[SCBlueFan]

It's probably not a tenure-track position -- many Athletic Band Director positions are not. In that case they hire a person on a limited term contract and then renew it if things are going well, but are free to move on if they aren't.

 

[fairgambit]

Since you met him, maybe you have some inside info. How's recruiting

going? Do you think he'll go the JUCO route for tuba players? Will any of the clarinet section be redshirted? The answers may well determine if he'll get a contract extension.

 

[9fold]

Originally posted by SCBlueFan:
It's probably not a tenure-track position -- many Athletic Band Director positions are not. In that case they hire a person on a limited term contract and then renew it if things are going well, but are free to move on if they aren't.

Thanks. I had thought that Bundy, and Ned Diehl before him, were tenured.

 

[Pocono Lion]

To clarify, he's not Dr. Drane yet. He's working on it, which is why I....

suspect the 2 year term. IMHO, a 2 year term is not exactly a ringing endorsement.

This post was edited on 3/23 9:43 PM by Pocono Lion

 

[psu00]

Re: Since you met him, maybe you have some inside info. How's recruiting

How's he supposed to recruit tuba players with only a 2 year deal? We've been told that coaches/ directors need to be able to say they will be there for all 4 years of a tuba players career???

This post was edited on 3/23 10:18 PM by psu00

 

[9fold]

Re: Since you met him, maybe you have some inside info. How's recruiting

Originally posted by fairgambit:
going? Do you think he'll go the JUCO route for tuba players? Will any of the clarinet section be redshirted? The answers may well determine if he'll get a contract extension.

Drane has proclaimed that he will dominate the state. A 4-star piccolo player from Oil City just gave a verbal to PSU. Drane 1, pitt 0.

Drane really needs to strengthen the trombone line. If you watched pre-game last year, you noticed that the trombones at the end of the team aisle didn't hold the line well. The football team ran right through them. Sadly, the trombone line didn't improve all season. Of course, they are young.

 

[lattydaddy]

I suspect Greg was given a 2 year contract for a few reasons.

He doesn't have his doctorate yet. The other 2 candidates did. Greg is working towards it but he still has some work to do.

He has less experience than the other 2 candidates I believe. they are both current directors whereas Greg is currently an Asst Dir.

I suspect his resume is lighter than Bundy's was when Bundy got the job, mostly because Greg is younger than Bundy was then.

I've had the pleasure of meeting both Richard and Greg a few times and they are both great men. I also know the Band members love Greg. So given his relatively lighter experience level (compared to other 2 finalists) this appears to be a "show me" track. And I have no doubt Greg will "show them" and then some. I look forward to seeing how the band moves forward under his direction.

 

[Evan Ceg]

I hope Mr. Drane brings some new, out-of-the-box marching concepts to the Blue Band. The quality of musicianship is largely lost in Beaver Stadium's acoustics. What is distinctive among open-air marching bands is the marching. Some dash and flash, please. Something unexpected and fun that will make old fuddy-duddies like me scoff.

Very best wishes to Mr. Drane.

 

[Victor E. Bell]

It's all fine till the clarinet reed handshakes start....

Then next thing you know there's a bag of clarinet reeds in a locker at the bus station waiting to be picked up. Pretty soon it's sax reeds. You know the rest and it ain't a happy story.

 

[LealandLoyal]

Great move. Blue Band is way better than it used to be. Funk it up!***


nfm

 

[psu00]

Re: It's all fine till the clarinet reed handshakes start....

I don't know how we can compete with the bag men with clarinet reeds. It's just out of control. How are we supposed to beat the Ohio St. and Wisky bands (who are heard much better in the Beav than the Blue Band) when our director only has a 2 year deal? Maybe we should implement a cost of attendance subsidy to outwork the buckeye bag men???

 

[9fold]

Re: To clarify, he's not Dr. Drane yet. He's working on it, which is why I....

Originally posted by Pocono Lion:
suspect the 2 year term. IMHO, a 2 year term is not exactly a ringing endorsement.

This post was edited on 3/23 9:43 PM by Pocono Lion

Thanks. I had assumed that he already had his Ph.D. because I would expect the director of a major university band to have completed his schooling.

Given that PSU hired Drane when he does not yet have a Ph.D. could suggest that they weren't overwhelmed by the other candidates. Of course, they know Drane.

 

[edsel]

Re: To clarify, he's not Dr. Drane yet. He's working on it, which is why I....


My nephew will be a senior in the Blue Band and he loves Mr. Drane. Good Luck Mr.Drane and Good Luck to my nephew, just don't break your foot this year.

 

[Roar More]

Hope he keeps the dreads. I can't have hair, like to see it on others.*

*

 

[Pocono Lion]

He lost the dreds when he was under serious consideration for the job*

**