Since the middle of the summer, Nick Holland, the new associate director of bands at The University of Memphis, has been getting acquainted with the students in the marching band.
"I love them," Holland said. "They like to have fun."
Holland is pleased with the overall band program, but said there is still room for improvement.
Holland said he hopes to increase the number of students in the program.
He would also like to increase the band's exposure through more off-campus performances -- like exhibitions for area high school students.
"He is doing a great job," said Courtney Caswell, color guard instructor and a junior elementary education major. "He does a good job of explaining what he wants and how it will be done."
Holland's job at The U of M is intensive. For the past few months, he spent three afternoons each week with the marching band as members practiced their routines.
He spent many more hours planning new half-time shows to be performed at Tiger football games, including last Saturday's season finale at Tulane.
Holland is also the right-hand man to Sydney McKay at all band performances. McKay is the long-time director of bands at The U of M.
McKay said Holland is a fine musician and excellent conductor who has "great people skills.
"He's done a real fine job," McKay said.
Holland came to The U of M with many honors already achieved. He graduated from East Carolina University with bachelor and master's degrees in music with an emphasis in percussion and conducting. He is currently completing his doctorate in music at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
While attending UNC, Holland conducted the symphonic band, concert band and wind ensemble and directed the pep band. He has also directed bands at Valdosta State University and Eastern New Mexico University.
