Saturday, June 06, 2009

Cleveland High Hires New Band Director

By Elaine D. BriseÑO
Journal Staff Writer
          Georgia resident and band director Keith Gilbert has had his eye on Rio Rancho for some time.
        After learning a few years ago that the district would open a new high school, he began his quest to become its new band director. He got his wish in May, when Rio Rancho Public Schools named him the new band director for V. Sue Cleveland High.
        The school is currently under construction and will open in August as the city's second comprehensive high school.
        Scott Affentranger, principal of Cleveland High, said he met Gilbert two years ago when the Georgia native came to visit the area. He said Gilbert came to meet district staffers after learning RRPS would be opening a new high school.
        "He came out here and introduced himself," Affentranger said. "He has kept in touch since then and has been very interested in the position."
        Gilbert, 41, is leaving his post as director of the bands and music technology at Shiloh High School in Suwanee, Ga., The school, he said, has more than 2,000 students, which is comparable to the expected enrollment at Cleveland High. He said he wanted to move to the Southwest and had researched districts in the area. He said he chose RRPS because of its focus on fine arts.
        "Growing up, I always wanted to be a cowboy," he said. "This is going to be a great journey. It's time to live in another part of the country, and I don't want to have any regrets in life."
        Gilbert beat out five other finalists, including Rio Rancho High assistant band director Matthew Casarez.
        Affentranger said despite the excellent pool of candidates, Gilbert won over the committee. He said Gilbert was "everything we were looking for" and stuck out as the top candidate. Gilbert has experience not only teaching but as a performer. He plays the tuba and has performed in several community bands.
        "He has a great connection with students and a passion for building the program," Affentranger said. "He's pretty diverse in his background, having a balance between theory and performance. We needed someone who has a good demeanor, and he does."
        Affentranger noted the success of the Rio Rancho High program throughout the years under the instruction of Kurt Schmidt. He said many parents are worried the opening of the new school could weaken both programs, or that the Cleveland High program will not be as strong.
        He said it was important to have someone who would be liked by the community and who could create a smooth transition.
        Gilbert said he brings to the job professionalism, a good work ethic and a positive, upbeat personality. He said he will strive to build a strong program.
        "I want to push students to go above and beyond what they think they can," he said. "Sometimes you have to motivate them."
        Others finalists for the position were Nathan Matherne, band director at Roswell Goddard High School; Bruce Mullen, associate band director from Gallup; Sean Silva, director of bands at Oñate High School in Las Cruces; and Robin Stephens, director of bands for the Roscoe Independent School district in Roscoe, Texas.
       

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