The committee was tasked with searching for a replacement for John E. Williamson, CMU's internationally acclaimed Director of Bands 1979-2018
The first stage of the search was short, since Prof. Williamson announced his retirement in December 2017, to be effective the following May. The initial pool of applicants for this job was large, as the position has become one of prestige among college and university bands. An initial national search resulted in offers being made to and declined by two outstanding candidates. The committee was successful in helping to secure an interim Director and then undertook a second national search, which resulted in the hiring of Dr. Chris Chapman.