University of Arkansas Names New Band Director

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Dr. Christopher Knighten, director of the East Carolina University Marching Pirates, has been named director of the University of Arkansas Athletic Bands. Knighten comes to Arkansas from East Carolina University where he has led the band there since 1993. He will begin his duties July 1.

“Chris brings a depth of experience to the University and I know he will take the university’s bands to the next level nationally,” Bill Schwab, interim dean of the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, said. “He impressed everyone on the search committee and he comes in ready to start.”

Knighten, who was born in North Little Rock, replaces Timothy Gunter who stepped down as director of athletic bands last February.

“As a native of Arkansas and someone who grew up calling the Hogs, I am thrilled to return to my home state and the University of Arkansas campus,” Knighten said. “I look forward to joining the faculty in the department of music and working closely with the athletic department. I am especially excited to work with outstanding students on this campus. It’s been a long time since I attended a game in Fayetteville and I can’t wait to call the Hogs in September!”

In addition to his duties as director of athletic bands at East Carolina University, located in Greenville, North Carolina, Knighten taught conducting and wind ensemble literature classes. He also served as director of the ECU summer band camp and conductor of symphonic band and new music ensemble.

Prior to his tenure at ECU, Knighten served as interim band director at Baylor University. He began his career in education as the band director at Richland High School in North Richland Hills, Texas.

Knighten received a Bachelor of Music Education from Baylor University. He received a Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting in 1991 and a doctoral degree in 2000 from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Joining Knighten is his wife, Janet, who will serve on the university’s music faculty after completing her doctorate at the University of Texas.

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CONTACTS:

Ronda Mains, chair, department of music

Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences

479-575-4170, rmains@uark.edu

Steve Voohies, manager of media relations

Office of University Relations

479-575-3583, voorhies@uark.edu

KEYWORDS: UAhome, Media, Faculty/Staff