Hal Cooper has been the band director at Arkansas Tech University for 32 years. He recently submitted his letter of resignation and is set to retire at the end of this summer.

Why is this news so important?

Tech has only had three band directors in its 102-year history, and each director has left behind a huge legacy. The retirement of Cooper leaves Tech with a hefty task as it tries to find a person worthy enough to be called the fourth band director.

The first band director at Tech was Marvin Williamson and he was also the first student ever enrolled at the university. He was the director from 1913-1950.

The second band director was the legendary Gene Witherspoon, who directed the band from 1950-1979. These two names are easily recognizable on Tech’s campus, as buildings are named after both of them.

This illustrates how important the band is at Tech. I have a feeling that Cooper’s name will be just as legendary. His replacement will have to live up to the success of the great men that preceded him or her.

Cooper has accomplished many things during his years at Tech. He was president of the Southwest Division of the College Band Directors National Association, district governor of Kappa Kappa Psi college band service, a member of the Arkansas School Band and Orchestra Association, member and president of Arkansas Phi Beta Mu, and president and a charter member of the Arkansas Bandmasters Association. He was also named Arkansas Bandmaster of the Year in 1988 and obtained membership in the American Bandmaster Association in 1992.

Do you see why it will be hard to find a replacement for Cooper?

The Arkansas Tech Symphonic and Marching Bands are well known across the state as “Arkansas’ Band of Distinction.” The fall semester saw a 180-member band, which is significant considering the size of our university. Many students from around the state choose Tech due to the recognized band program.

These students also have the opportunity to become involved in several band organizations, such as Kappa Kappa Psi, Tau Beta Sigma, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Sigma Alpha Iota. Tech’s band is part of a long-standing tradition at Tech and that is why Cooper’s retirement is such important news.

Cooper has said that not only have recent health issues affected his decision to retire, but also a need for youth in the band position.

I think it would be great if Tech could hire someone who is an alumnus of our university.

I also think Cooper is right about the program needing youth and I hope those responsbile for hiring Cooper's successor will take his words into consideration. Cooper said he looks “forward to witnessing continued success from a different perspective.”

I am happy that Cooper has maintained the band tradition for the past 32 years and has such a positive attitude about its future.

I also look forward to seeing what is next for Tech’s legendary band.