Clovis schools: Band Director Allred retiring

Eastern New Mexico News, Clovis, N.M.
·2 min read

Dec. 6—Bill Allred, Clovis High School's band director through a string of successive state marching championships, is retiring, the school district announced Tuesday in a news release.

Allred's departure comes "(a)fter nearly three decades at the helm of the state's nationally recognized, premier high school band program — including a stunning 11 consecutive years as New Mexico state marching champions," the release stated.

Allred came to CMS in 1996 as assistant band director at Clovis High School. In 2000 he became band director at Marshall Middle School, followed by head band director at Clovis High School in 2001, the news release stated.

His Wildcats have been the top-performing New Mexico band at the Zia Marching Band Fiesta 15 times since 2003. The state's band community generally considers Zia the state championship competition since most of the top bands participate in the season's final performance.

Allred's bands have won the overall Zia title 13 times, including an active streak of 10 straight.

Allred said his last day at CMS will be May 24.

"I get to conduct the band at graduation for my daughter and for all my seniors," he said.

He said he plans to continue teaching music, probably closer to family in the Kentucky area where he graduated high school.

Clovis Municipal Schools stated in its news release that it is opening "the high-profile role" as CMS band director starting immediately, with a call for applications.

"(T)he remaining months of the school year will provide opportunity for the selection of a new band director and allow for a seamless transition in leadership," the release stated.

The position will remain open until it's filled. Candidates can submit an application online at: http://www.clovis-schools.org

The job's salary range is $54,000 to $85,000, based on experience and qualifications, the district announced. The high school's head band director also receives an annual stipend of $16,000.

"The district is seeking exceptional candidates for the role who can carry forward the stellar legacy of the Clovis High School Band," the news release stated.

Do you have a question?

A comment you'd like to see published?

Or maybe a story idea for a future edition?

— Please email the publisher: dstevens@thenews.email