Starting this spring, long-time conductor and professor of music W. Dale Warren will refocus his role in the Department of Music. Warren will now coordinate senior music education majors in their secondary music internships (student teaching) in area schools. With Warren's standing in the music community and connections with dozens of music teachers in Northwest Arkansas, he is the perfect person to lead this new directed initiative for better student success.

Ronda Mains, chair of the Department of Music, said, "Professor Warren is an exceptional educator and a respected colleague. Mr. Warren's refocused role will be beneficial to both the department and the community of music educators in Northwest Arkansas."

Warren will also take charge in recruiting future wind and percussion music majors. With Warren's reputation in the region, and indeed around the country, he will help drive a concerted effort to recruit the brightest and best prospective students to the Department of Music. Over the past 30 years, Warren has garnered respect and numerous accolades as a stellar clinician, guest conductor, and adjudicator with band programs across the country. Using those years of experience connecting with students and teachers from all parts of the country, Warren will be the department's ambassador for recruitment in the larger band community.

After serving as faculty at the University of Kentucky (1986-1991) he came to the University of Arkansas in 1991. In addition to teaching conducting and music education courses in the Department of Music, Warren conducted the Razorback Marching Band from 1991 to 2000 and conducted the UA Wind Symphony for over 20 years. Before teaching at the collegiate level, Warren taught in the Kentucky public school system for six years. He is a well-known and highly sought after conductor and clinician having guest conducted All-District, All-Region, and All-State honor bands, and numerous university bands in 35 states. Warren will continue to run the highly successful University of Arkansas Band Camps held each summer on the U of A campus.