Jeffrey Summers and Chase Jones
The Fall 2022 season will see new leadership for the Razorback Marching Band and Hogwild Band, but new roles in band programs don’t necessarily mean new faces for Louis E. Epley Jr. Band Building .
Jeffrey SummersAfter serving as Assistant Director of the Razorback Marching Band and Director of the Hogwild Band for the past two years, he was appointed Interim Associate Director of the Band on July 1, and will lead the Razorback Marching Band this year. increase. He continues to conduct the Wind Symphony, one of his bands for year-long college concerts.
Despite leaving the Hogwild Band, Summers enjoys looking back at the past two years, when both the men’s and women’s basketball teams experienced postseason success. Traveling to the SEC and his NCAA Tournament gave him and his band members the chance to see the country from the East Coast to the West Coast. “Austin, Buffalo, Nashville, San Francisco, Tampa—it was a month of non-stop travel.
Taking on a different role in 2022, Summers admits that assuming the title of marching band director at the flagship university is difficult, but ultimately rewarding. He reflected on conversations with members of his alumni band and realized the impact his career would have. This is testament to the long history of great directors in this program. ”
With Summers stepping down from his role as director of the Hogwild Band and moving to the position of director of the marching band, the program intervenes with someone with educational experience and familiarity with the U of A to assist both athletic bands. I asked for chase jones I plan to fill these positions within the next year. A native of Ashdown, Jones graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in 2012, majoring in drums for three years before working with staff as a graduate assistant while earning a Master of Music degree in Conducting in 2015. I was.
Returning to alma mater brought an exciting new step in his career. “I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to go back to Arkansas,” said Hogwild. The band is now in Jones’ hands, and the band has already started performing at volleyball games and is looking forward to performing at both men’s and women’s basketball games.
Jones considered the unique opportunity for exposure and scholarship offered by the U of A Bands program. “When I was a student, I didn’t realize how special and unique the support I have from track and field, alumni and scholarships is. Traveling and performing in great places like AT&T Stadium.” Being in a program of this level, whether it’s a bowl game or an NCAA basketball trip, gives you a lot of life experience, and it’s very rewarding and you get to do it with great people.”
Jones and Summers have high hopes when the 350-member Razorback Marching Band kicks off its season this Saturday. The band performs a gameday show. life is a highway and Chris Stapleton Arkansas“This is one of the most talented bands I’ve worked with,” said Jones. “It looks like a lot of fun.”
Band director Chris Knighten summarizes the two hires: Fun for students, alumni, and fans of the program. ”
