That was fast! John John Pasquale named to direct MMB

On January 23, 2013, the wait was over only after two weeks. Dr. John Pasquale was announced to be the successor to Professor Scott Boerrma as Director of the University of Michigan Marching Band.

Here is the announcement in the University Record. I think it's a little dry, but I'm putting this one first because the subheading of the University Record is "Office of the Vice President for Global Communications" which sounded very impressive.

This one is more exiciting: The Michigan Daily has responses from MMB members and John Pasquale.

And here is the announcement from the Michigan Marching Band e-news:

FROM PROF. MICHAEL HAITHCOCK
Dear MMB Alumni and Friends:
I am pleased to announce that John Pasquale has been named the new Director of the Michigan Marching and Athletic Bands, Associate Director of Bands, and the Donald R. Shepherd Chair in Conducting.  During the past five years, Dr. Pasquale has proven himself to be a person with the necessary musical and leadership skills for this important appointment.  In addition, he has earned the respect as well as admiration of students, faculty, administrators, alumni, parents, and donors.  It was only a matter of time before John Pasquale was leading a major college marching band and I am delighted that the University of Michigan will continue to benefit from his ongoing service to our campus and musical community.
With this transition complete, we will begin a full national search for a new assistant director of the MMB.  This process will unfold throughout the winter term in hopes of having an appointment made by the annual MMB spring meeting.  There are legal processes that must be followed since this is a faculty appointment and a faculty search committee will guide the process.  Students will have a chance to work with and interact with each finalist.
In the meantime, I hope you will join me in congratulating Dr. Pasquale.  June 1st is the official date of Dr. Pasquale's appointment.  He and Dr. Boerma are hard at work on making a seamless transition and I am confident the MMB will be well prepared for next season.
Best Wishes and Go Blue!
Michael Haithcock
Director of Bands, Arthur Thurnau Professor of Music


FROM PROF. JOHN PASQUALE
Dear MMB Alumni and Friends:
It is with great excitement that I accept the position of Director of the Michigan Marching and Athletic Bands, Associate Director of Bands, and the Donald R. Shepherd Chair in Conducting.  I am humbled by the University’s expression of confidence in charging me with this wonderful responsibility.
In the past five years, serving as Assistant Director of Bands, I have gained a profound appreciation and respect for this institution, its students, alumni, and supporters.  The care and commitment of our constituents is unparalleled and it has left a lasting impression on me, personally and professionally.  The University of Michigan is such a special place; I’m grateful for the opportunities and experiences it has afforded me. When offered this promotion, the exuberance and awe I experienced at that moment cannot adequately be expressed in words.  There is no doubt in my mind that the University of Michigan is where I want to be!
I take very seriously the responsibility of upholding the storied legacy and strong tradition of excellence associated with the University of Michigan Band Program and look forward to contributing to it and cultivating it for many years to come.  With the help of the MMB Family, I know that this will be a remarkable journey and am confident that we will accomplish great things together as we continue to carry on the time-honored tradition of being the “Leaders and Best.”
Let’s get started. . .
Go Blue!!!
Dr. John D. Pasquale

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My thanks to Professor Boerma and congratulations to Dr. Pasquale!
-Jane Namenye

Michigan Marching Band Director, Scott Boerma to be Director of Bands at Western Michigan University

Professor Scott Boerma will be moving to Western Michigan University in August 2013 to take over as Director of Bands. 

Since the announcement on January 8, Professor Boerma has been in the news around Michigan.

Michigan Daily article has quotes from Professor Boerma, Professor Haithcock and several members of the Michigan Marching Band.

Photo of Boerma and the Tubas at Ann Arbor.com.

News from the Kalamazoo end of things can be found in Mlive.com's Western Michigan University hires Michigan's Scott Boerma to replace retiring Director of Bands Robert Spradling    

More from Prof Boerma in Mlive.com  "Scott Boerma, UM marching band directror, calls new job at WMO a 'blessing'."  and WMU's Western Herald's University of Michigan marching band director will serve as new director of bands at WMU 



Here is the announcement from the Michigan Marching Band e-news:

"Today Professor Scott Boerma announced his resignation as Director of the Michigan Marching Band to students in their post-bowl wrap up meeting.  Dr. Boerma is leaving UM to take his "dream job" as Director of Bands at his alma mater, Western Michigan University.  While we are all very sad Professor Boerma will leave us, we are thrilled that his dream has come true.  Western is very fortunate to have a person of Scott's musical talent, leadership skill, and personal warmth to guide their band program into a new era.   A letter from Dr. Boerma is below within this communication.
 

"As with any transition, the question of 'what's next' looms.  While I can not directly answer the question at this point, a process is already underway to identify the future leadership of the MMB.  The person we seek will have the necessary musical talent, the desired leadership skills, and a personality that will serve the students and our varied constituents well. 

"Please join all of us in extending our sincere thanks to Scott Boerma for his dynamic leadership over the past six years."   Michael Haithcock, Director of Bands 

FROM THE DIRECTOR
 

 Dear MMB alumni and friends,

It is with very mixed feelings that I am reaching out to you to announce that I have resigned my position as the Donald R. Shepherd Associate Professor of Conducting and Director of Michigan Marching and Athletic Bands, effective June 1, 2013.  I have accepted the position of Director of Bands at Western Michigan University, my undergraduate alma mater.  In this role, I will oversee WMU’s entire band program, conduct the top concert ensemble, and teach conducting and wind repertoire.  This step represents a logical progression of my career, and I’m excited about the new challenges ahead.

I have truly loved my six years at the University of Michigan.  I am honored to have played a role in the history and tradition of excellence that is a hallmark of this great institution and these exemplary ensembles, and I am excited to watch the MMB and Athletic Bands continue to thrive.  I will sincerely miss the students, colleagues, alumni, and donors that I’ve had the good fortune to get to know.  I am a better person because of my time with you, and I will cherish the fantastic memories I take with me.  Our alumni and donors have been so very kind to me and supportive of my efforts with our great students.  I thank you wholeheartedly for that.

Please know that I have been laboring over this decision for several weeks, and it was truly a difficult one to make.  I am blessed to have been at UM for these six wonderful years.  I wish you all the very best, and I sincerely hope that we will all stay in touch in the years ahead.

Sincerely,
Dr. Scott Boerma
Donald R. Shepherd Associate Professor of Conducting
Director of Michigan Marching and Athletic Bands