Christopher M. Anderson, formerly of Texas Tech University, has been hired as the fourth director of bands in the 102-year history of Arkansas Tech University.
Anderson (photographed) was previously associate director of bands, director of athletics bands and associate professor of music at Texas Tech. He had served as director of the “Goin’ Band from Raiderland” marching band at Texas Tech since 2003.
In his new role Anderson will direct the Arkansas Tech Marching Band, which has been known for generations as “Arkansas’ Band of Distinction.”
He will also direct the Arkansas Tech Symphonic Band and the Arkansas Tech Concert Band while serving as an associate professor in the Arkansas Tech Department of Music.
“We in the Department of Music are absolutely delighted with this hire,” said Dr. Cynthia Hukill, head of the Arkansas Tech Department of Music. “We look forward to working with Mr. Anderson as we begin the next era in instrumental music at Arkansas Tech.”
Anderson succeeds Hal Cooper, who announced his retirement in April following 32 years as director of bands at Arkansas Tech.
Marvin Williamson (1913-50), Gene Witherspoon (1950-79) and Cooper (1979-2011) are the only three directors of bands that Arkansas Tech has known.
Anderson graduated from Abilene Christian University with a Bachelor of Music Education degree. He received a Master of Music degree in conducting from Northwestern University and is in the final stages of earning a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Texas.
Prior to his work at Texas Tech, Anderson taught music and directed bands around the Lone Star State at Stephen F. Austin University, Abilene Christian University and Keller High School.
