Interviews have begun for the next band director at Choctawhatchee High School, and band camp is slated to go forward later this month as planned.
“Everybody is stepping up to the plate to make sure we keep everything moving,” Principal Cindy Gates said. “The parents are incredible.”
The search began after Chad Hannah announced last month he was resigning for personal reasons. Hannah took over the program in 2008 after serving as its associate director for about nine years.
School officials already were been seeking a replacement for the band’s associate director, Kelly Deklinski. She gave her notice earlier in the school year after accepting another job outside the country. Gates said the school is delaying that hiring until after a new director is selected and can participate in the search.
The interview committee only is considering experienced people for the position. Several people have asked about the job and submitted applications, Gates said.
The candidate pool includes a middle school band director in Okaloosa County, two band directors from elsewhere in Florida and one from Mississippi
Officials would like to hire someone quickly, but don’t want to miss out on the perfect candidate by moving too fast, Gates said.
“What we’re looking for is someone with experience and with credibility … as a musician, as a teacher and as a band director,” she said.
Choctaw’s band camp will begin June 24. Numerous people have volunteered to help if a new band director is not selected before then.
Deklinski has agreed to run it until she leaves July 1. After that date, other local band directors have said they will work to ensure the Style Marchers don’t miss a beat.
“My commitment to our students and parents is I’m working as hard as I can to get a person in place that is good for them and the school,” Gates said.
