New Interim Directors for the Hardin-Simmons Bands

By: Mason Moncrief

Hardin-Simmons University has placed alumni Cody Hutcheson and Richie Diaz in interim leadership of the university’s Concert Band and Cowboy Band, while the school prepares to begin a new search for a permanent band director.

The change follows the retirement of former Cowboy Band director Jay Lester. With the search for a permanent director taking longer than expected, and the start of the school year, HSU split the responsibilities between Hutcheson and Diaz.

Dr. Brooks, dean of the College of Arts and Media, said the university wanted someone who was academically qualified, experienced and interested in helping the band programs grow.

Hutcheson, the assistant professor of music theory and composition, was originally approached about helping with the Cowboy Band for an upcoming event. Because he already had full time teaching responsibilities, he suggested taking responsibility for the Concert Band instead.

Cody Hutcheson, Assistant Professor of Music Theory and Interim Director of the Hardin Simmons Concert Band, took the helm alongside Richie Diaz at the beginning of the fall semester.

“I think I could manage the concert band,” Mr. Cody Hutcheson said. “And then we just have to find a cowboy band director.”

Diaz is an HSU alumni who earned his bachelor’s degree in music performance and recently completed his master’s degree. He was a member of Cowboy Band for four years and served as an officer in the organization. Brooks also said Diaz’s experience with educational outreach helped make him a strong candidate for the position.

Richie Diaz, new interim director of the Hardin-Simmons Cowboy Band, sitting alongside the band with a trophy for the organization.

“I knew he had the ability to do it,” Dr. Bob Brooks said of Diaz.

For Diaz, the opportunity came shortly after he had been preparing to pursue orchestral work. As an HSU alumni and former member of the Cowboy Band, he said he had already envisioned what it could be like to lead the group one day.

“I always imagined what it would be like to direct Cowboy Band,” Diaz said. “And then the opportunity actually presented itself.”

Both directors said they want to continue developing their programs rather than simply maintaining them during the interim period.

 “Not just keep afloat,” said Hutcheson.

Hutcheson hopes to build the band’s connection with local schools and the community, while Diaz wants to strengthen the culture of the Cowboy Band and its connections with area students. As well as both directors wishing to grow the organizations.

Richie Diaz directing the Hardin-Simmons Cowboy Band

For Diaz, one of the most rewarding parts of the new position has been seeing the band make tangible progress in rehearsal. “Love the work, not just the product,” said Hutcheson.

Hutcheson and Diaz also emphasize the importance of helping students grow beyond their musical abilities. Both said they want to be positive influences on students while preparing them for life and careers beyond college.

The interim positions are expected to continue through the current academic year. HSU plans to relaunch its official search for a permanent director in November. The permanent position will combine leadership of the Concert Band and Cowboy Band back under one director.

Once a permanent director is selected, Hutcheson will return to his regular faculty responsibilities, while Diaz plans to continue pursuing opportunities in orchestral performance.

I always imagined what it would be like to direct Cowboy Band

Hardin Simmons Cowboy Band Alumni comes back to direct the program.

We Don't Want to Just Keep Afloat

Cody Hutcheson talks about his plans to foster growth in the program.